PE 




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I'KRSKNTEl) HY 



INTRODUCTION. 



ADAPTED TO 



ENGLISH GRAMMAR, 



CONSISTING OF 



EXERCISES IN PARSING; INSTANCES OF FALSE ORTHO- 

GRAPHY; VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OF SYN- 

TAX; DEFECTS IN PUNCTUATlOxN ; 



VIOLATIOisS OF THE RULES RESPECTING PERSPI- 
CUUUS AND ACCURATE WRITING. 



DESIGNICU FOR THE 



BENEFIT OF PRIVATE LEARNERS, 



AS WELL AS 



FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 



BY LINDLEY MURRAY. 



PUBLISHED BY ¥. LUCAS, JR. 

1826. 






fx 



c\> 



) 



INTRODUCTION, 



The principles of knowledge become most intelligible 
to young persons, when they are explained and inculcat- 
ed by practical illustration and direction. This mode of 
teaching is attended with so many advantages, that it can 
scarcely be too much recommended, or pursued. In- 
struction which is enlivened by pertment examples, and 
in which the pupil is exercised in reducing the ruies* pre- 
scribed to practice, has a more striking effect on the 
mind, and is better adapted to fix the attention, and sharp- 
en the understanding, than that which is divested of these 
aids, and confined to bare positions and precepts ; in 
which it too frequently happens that the learner has no 
further concern, than to read and repeat them. The 
time and care employed in practical application , give oc- 
casion to survey the subject minutely, and in different 
points of view ; by which it becomes more known and 
produces stronger and more durable impressions. 

These observations are peculiarly applicable to the stu- 
d,y of grammar, and the method of teaching it. The 
rules require frequent explanation ; and, besides direct 
elucidation, they admit of examples erroneously con- 
structed, for exercising the student's sagacity and judg- 
ment. To rectify these, attention and reflection are re- 
quisite; and the knowledge of the rule necessarily results 
from the study and correction of the sentence. But these 
are not all the advantages which arise from Grammatical 
Exercises. By discovering their own abilities to detect 
antl amend errors, and their consequent improvement, 
the scholars become pleased with their studies, and are ani- 
mated to proceed, and surmount the obstacles which oc- 
cur in their progress. The instructer, too, is relieved 
am: encouraged in his labours. By discerning exactly 
the powers and improvement of his pupils he perceives 
the proper season for advancing them : and by o'>serv- 
hig the points in which they are deficient, he knows pre- 
cisely where to apply his directions and explanations. 

These considerations have induced the Compiler to 
collect and arrange a variety of erroneous examples, 
adapted to tht; different rules and instructions of English 
Grammar, and to the principles of perspicuous and ac- 
curate writing. It has not indeed been usual, to make 



IV INTRODUCTION. 

Grammatical Exercise, in our language, very numerous 
and extensive ; but if the importance and usefulness of 
them be as great as they are conceived to be, no apology will 
be necessary for the large field of employment, which the 
following work presents to t4ie student of Enghsh Gram- 
mar If he be detained longer than is common in this 
part of his studies, the probable result of it, an accurate 
and intimate knowledge of the subject, will constitute an 
ample recompense. 

The reader will perceive that some of the rules and 
observations, under the part of Syntax, contain a much 
greater number of examples than others This has ari- 
sen from the superior importance of those rules, and 
from the variety requisite to illustrate them pio})erly. — 
When a few instances afford sufficient practice on the 
rule, the student is not fatigued with a repetition of exam- 
ples, whicli would cast no new light on the subject 

In selecting the instances of false construction, the 
Compiler has studied to avoid those that are glaringly er- 
roneous, and to fix upon such only as frequently occur in 
writing or speak ng. If there be any of a different com- 
plexion, it is presumed that they are but few, and 
that they will be found under those rules only, which, 
from the nature of them, could not have been otherwise 
clearly exemplified to young persons The examples 
applicable to the principal notes and observations, are 
carefully arranged under the respective rules of Syntax; . 
and regularly numbered to make them correspond to 
the subordinate rules in the Grammar. 

As many of the examples contain several errors in the 
same sentence, and some of them admit of various con- 
structions in amending them, it has been thought proper 
to publish a Key for ascertaining all the corrections ; and 
this has been the more expedient from the work's being 
designed for the benefit of private learners, as well as for 
the use of schools. The Key to the part on Orthogra- 
phy might have been on)itted, had not some of the sen- 
tences contained so many words erroneously spelled, as 
to render it probable that several of them would, in that 
case, have been inadvertently passed over ; especially by 
persons who may not have the advantage of a tutor. In 
forming the Key, it appeared to be more eligible, to re- 



INTRODUCTION. V 

peat the sentences at large, with their corrections, than 
simply to exhibit the amendments by themselves. In the 
mode adopted, the work has a more regular and uniform 
appearance; the correspondent parts may be more rea- 
dily compared ; and the propriety of the corrections will 
be more apparent and striking 

In a work which consists entirely of examples, and with 
which the learners will, consequently, be much occupied 
and impressed, the compiler would have deemed himself 
culpable, had he exhibited such sentences as contained 
ideas inapplicable to young minds, or which were of a 
trivial or injurious nature. He has, therefore, been soli- 
citous to avoid all exceptionable matter ; and to improve 
his work, by blending moral and useful observations with 
Grammatical studies. Even sentiments of a pious and 
religious nature, have not been thought improper to be 
occasionally inserted in these Exercises. The under- 
standing and sensibility of young persons, are much un- 
derrated by those who think :hem incapable of compre- 
hending and relishing this kind of instruction. The 
sense and love of goodness are early and deeply implant- 
ed in the human mind; and often, by their infant ener- 
gies, surprise the intelligent observer : — v/hy,then, should 
not these emotions find their proper support and incen- 
tives among the elements of learning? Congenial sen- 
timents, thus disposed, besides making permanent im- 
pressions, may serve to cherish and expand those gene- 
rous principles; or, at least, to prepare them for regular 
operation, at a future period. The importance of exhi- 
biting to the youthful mind, the deformities of vice ; and 
of giving it just and animating views of piety and virtue, 
makes it not only warranti^ble, but our duty also, to em- 
brace every proper occasion to promote, in any degree, 
these valuable ends. 

In presenting the learner with so great a number of ex- 
amples, it was difficult to preserve 'hem from too much 
uniformity. The Compiler has, however, been studious 
to give them an arrangement and diversity, as agreeable 
us the nature of the subject would admit; and to render 
them interesting, as well as intelligible and instructive, to 
young persons. 

A 2 HbldgatCt near York, 1797. 



ADVERTISEMENT 

TO THE SEVENTH EDITION.* 
The Author of this volume of Exercises, perceiving 
that it has been well received by the public, and that the 
demand for it still continues to increase, has felt it incum- 
bent upon him, to give the seventh edition every improve- 
ment in his power, without enhancing the price of the book. 
Besides expunging some obscure and uninteresting 
sentences ; inserting a number of examples adapted to the . 
latest improvements in the grammar; and adding to the 
Syntax many useful exercises, he has subjoined to the part 
designed {Q}^vomo\.e perspicuous and accurate ivriting^?^, 
whole chapter (twelve pages) of promiscuous exercises, 
peculiarly adapted to this subject. As every other gene- 
ral division of the book was provided with a chapter of 
this nature, it is presumed that teachers and private stu- 
dents will approve of an addition so necessary to complete 
the plan of the work. It is calculated, at once, to confirm 
the leainer in perspicuous and accurate writing, and im- 
prove his taste for elegant composition. 

In all the additional exercises to this part of the book, 
the author has been careful to exhibit no inaccuracies but 
such as are frequently found in respectable writings. — 
The display of vulgar and glaring errors, which no per- 
sons of education ever commit, would not be proper for 
a werk of this nature, and could not fail to produce dis- 
approbation and disgust. 

ADVERTISEMENT 
TO THE TENTH EDITION. 
One of the chief improvements, made in the tenth edi- 
tion of this M'ork, consists in the adaptation of it, through- 
out, to an objective case of nouns. The case was adopt- 
ed in iht twelfth edition of the Grammar; audit is, there- 
fore indispensable, that the Exercises should conform to 
the alteration t 

* The improvements made in the eighth edition, consist chief- 
ly, of " General Directions for using the Exercises," and of a 
new, enlarged system of Exercises in Parsing. 

f See the reasons in favour of an Objective case for English 
nour^s, at page 50, 51, of the Twelfth, or any subsequent edi- 
tion of the Grammar. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



As there are some teachers who doubt the propriety 
of presenting exercises of bad English to youth of the 
junior classes, it seems proper in this place to make a 
few observations on the subject. 

The author is persuaded, that exercises of this nature 
cannot be too soon engaged in by the student of grammar- 
Simple rules, and examples of rectitude, make light im- 
pression, compared with the effect of contrast, in which 
errors and corrections are opposed to each other. A child 
generally sees and hears so many instances of erroneous 
construction, that unless he is early taught to distinguish 
and correct them, his imitative powers will be more influ- 
enced by error than by rectitude, Besides, children, in 
detecting and amending errors, feel their own powers ; and 
however small the exercise may be, it is a most pleasing 
and animating incentive to application and study. What 
they learn in this way, will not only gratify them : it will 
also improve their judgment and sagacity, and be long 
and accurately remembered. 

On these grounds, it is evident, that the practice of cor- 
recting errors, should be introduced into the early stages 
of grammatical studies. Instead of exposing children to 
" the danger of evil comniunication," as some ingenious 
persons have supposed, it seems to be the beast means of 
teaching them, first, to discover the irregularities, and 
then, to avoid the contagion, of bad examples. 



ADVERTISEMENT 

TO THE TWELFTH EDITION. 

The reader will perceive, that a number of Notes and 
Critical Discussions has been inserted in appropriate parts 
of the Exercises and the Key. This was occasioned by 
the Grammar's having been set ufi, and not admitting of 
enlargement without an advance of its price. The author 
has, however, taken care to make proper references, un- 
der the correspondent rules in the Grammar, to all those 
additional notes and discussions. To this mode of sup- 
plying improvements, the reader will have the less objec- 
tion, when he considers, that the Exercises and the Key 
are necessary appendages to the Grammar; and serve to 
illustrate and enforce, as well as to extend, its rules and 



Vlll 6ENERA.L DIRECTION'S. 

positions. The three volumes are indeed intimately con- 
nected; and constitute one uniform system of English 
Grammar. 

To the Tenth edition of the Krv, the author has add- 
ed an .\poIogetical Preface, accounting for the additions 
and variations which are to be found in the different editions 
ef his grammatical works. He has also annexed to that 
edition of the Key, a copious Alfiho.be.tical Index to the 
(Grammar, the Exercises, and the K ; a work which he 
flatters himself will be generally use 1; and particularly 
acceptable to students who have made some progress in 
tlie knowledge of Grammar. 



GENERAL DIl^ECTlONS 

FOR USING THE EXERCISES. 

1. As soon as the learner has committed to memory 
the definitions of the article and substantive, as expressed 
in the Grammar, he should be employed in parsing those 
parts of sneech, as they are arranged in this volume of 
the Exercises. 

2. The learner should proceed, in this manner, through 
all the definitions of the parts of speech contained in ety- 
mology, regularly parsing the exercises on one definition, 
before he applies to another. 

3. As the pupil will then be able to understand air the 
rules in orthography, he should be directed to correct, in 
regular order, the orthographical exercises attached to 
the particular rules. 

4 In this stage of his progress, he may vary his em- 
ployment, by occasionally parsing the promiscuous exer- 
cises, contained in the ninth section of the chapter of Ety- 
mological Parsing, and by writing the plurals of nouns, 
&;c. in the eighth section of the same chapter. 

5. When the first rule of syntax is committed to me- 
mory, the correspondent exercise in parsing should be 
performed. Then the sentences of false syntax, under 
the rule, should be corrected, in writing. In this man- 
ner, both as to parsing and correcting, all the rules of 
syntax should be treated, proceeding regularly according 
to their order. The pupil may now be occasionally, em- 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. IX 

ployed in correcting the promiscuous exercises in ortho- 
graphy. 

6 The preceding directions (except those upon ortho- 
graphy), respect only the leading rules of the Grammar, 
which are printed in the larger type When the exerci- 
ses on those general rules are completed- and not before, 
the learner is to apply to the first subordinate rule, con- 
tained in the smaller type. He is to read it very a'tciitive- 
ly, assisted by the teacher's explanations; and after - ards 
correct in writing, the false construction of the exercises 
belonging to it. Thus, he is to proceed, rule by rule, till 
the whole is finished.* The learner should now be. oc- 
casionally, employed in parsing the promiscuous exerci- 
ses, contained in the eighth section of the chapter on Syn- 
tactical Parsing. 

7. When the student has corrected all the exercises 
appropriated to the particular rules, he should regularly 
proceed to rectify the promiscuous exercises, in syntax 
and punctuation. In this employ, he should write over 
each correction, the number of the rule, principal or sub- 
ordinate, by which he conceives the correction ought to 
be made. 

8 After this progress, the learner will be qualified to 
enter on the exercises respecting perspicuous an^ accu- 
rate writing. In this part, he is to proceed in a manner 
as similau to the preceding directions as the subject will 
admit. 

9. When all the exercises have been regularly c rrect- 
ed, in ivriting, it would tend to perfect the pupil's know- 
ledge of the rules, and to give him an habitual dexterity 
in applying them, if he were occasionally desired to cor- 
rect, -verbally^ erroneous sentences purposely selected 
from different parts of the book; to recite the rules by 
which they are governed ; ar.d, in his own language, to de- 
tail the reasons on which the corrections are founded 'I'he 
following examples will give the student an idea of the 
manner in which he is to make the verbal corrections. 
'^ The man is prudent which speaks little." 

• The pupil oug-ht to review every leading rule, and ug-ain 
rectify a few of the sentences under it, before he enters on its 
sudor dinate rules and their correspondent exercise. 



X GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 

This sentence is incorrect ; because which is a pronoun 
of the neuter gender, and does not agree in gender with 
its antecedent man, which is masculine. But a pronoun 
Should agree with its antecedent, in gender, Sec. accord- 
ing to the fifth rule of syntax. IVhich should therefore 
be ivho, a relative pronoun, agreeing with its antecedent 
man; and the sentence should stand thus : The man is 
prudent who speaks little.*' 

** After I visited Europe, I returned to America " 
This sentence is not correct ; because the verb visited 
is in the imperfect tense, and yet used here to express an 
action, not only past, bai prior to the time referred to by 
the verb returned^ to which it relates. By the thirteenth 
rule of syntax, when verbs are used that, in point of time, 
relate to each other, the order of time should be observed. 
The imperfect tense visited should, therefore, have been 
had visited, in the pluperfect tense, resjjresenting the ac- 
tion of visiting-^ not only as past, but alio as prior to the 
time oi returning: The sentence corrected would stand 
thus : *' After I had visited Europe, I returned to Ame- 
rica.'* 

'* This was the cause, which first gave rise to such bar- 
barous practice." 

This sentence is inaccurate. The words^rst and rise 
have here the same meaning; and the word such is not 
properly applied. The word signifies of that kind: but 
the author does not refer to a kind or species of barbarity. 
He means a degree of it: and therefore the word soy in- 
stead of suchy ought to have been used The words cause 
and gave rise, are also tautological: one of them should, 
consequently, be omitted. The sentence corrected would 
stand thus : " This was the original cause of so barba- 
rous a practice : or " of a practice so barbarous." 

10. As parsing is an exercise of great importance to 
the pupil, it should be continued, regularly, through tlie 
whole course of his grammatical instruction 

11. To the learner <vho has not the aid of a teacher, 
the Key is indispensable. But it should, on no -occasion, 
be consulted, till the sentence which is to be rectified, 
has been well considered, and has received the learn- 
er's best correction. 



COMKNTS. 



PART T. 

Exercises in Parsings 

Page. 

Chap. I. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects 

Etymology alone ----- 1 
2. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects 

both Etymology and Syntax - 16 

PART II. 

Exercises in Orthography. 

Chap. 1. Instances of false Orthography, ar- 
ranged under the respective Rules 30 
2. Instances of false Orthography, pro- 
miscuously disposed - - - - 36 

PART III, 

Exercises in Syvfax. 

Chap. 1. Instances of false Syntax, disposed 

under the particular Rules - - 48 
52. Instances of false Syntax, promiscu- 
ously disposed ------ 9S 

PART IV. 

Exercises in Punctuation. 

Chap. 1. Sentences wliich require the applica- 
tion of the Comma, disposed under 
the particular Rules - - - - 114 

2. Sentences which require the inser- 

tion of the Semicolon and Comma 122 

3. Sentences requiring the application 

of the Colon, &c 123 



Xll CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Chap. 4. Sentences which require the inser- 
tion of the Period - - - - 125 

5. Sentences requiring the application 

of the Dash ; of the Notes of In- 
terrogation and Exclamation ; and 
of the Parenthetical Characters 126 

6. Promiscuous instances of defective 

Punctuation - 128 

PART y. 

Exercises to promote perspicuous and accurate 
Writing. 

First, With respect to single Words and Phrases, 

Chap. 1. Violations of the Rules of Purity 139 

2. Violations of the Rules of Propriety 141 

3. Violations of the Rules of Precision 148 

Secondly, With respect to the construction of 
Sentences, 

Chap. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of 

Clearness are violated - - - 15§ 

2. Sentences in which the Rules of Uni- 

ty are violated ----- 156 

3. Sentences in which the Rules for 

promoting the strength of a sen- 
tence are violated - - - - 159 

4. Instances of an irregular use of Fi- 

gures of Speech - . - - - 170 
3. Violations of the Rules respecting 
perspicuous and accurate writing, 
promiscuously disposed - - - 175 

APPENDIX. 

Chap. 1. On transposing the members of a 

sentence -------185 

2. On variety of expression - - - 188 



EXERCISES. 

PART I. 
EXERCISES IN PARSING. 

CHAP. I. 

Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Etitmoxogy 
alone. 

See the Grammar, p. 195. 

SECT. I. 
Etymological Parsing Table. 

What part of speech ? 

l.Jnariide. What kind ? Why ? 

2. d substantive. Common or proper ? What Geii- 

der ? Number ? Case ? Why ? 
S. dn adjective. What degree of comparison ? To 

what does it belong ? Why an adjective ? 

4. .5 pronoun. What kind ? Person ? Gender ? 

Number ? Case ? Why ? 

5. ^ verb. What kind ? Mood ? Tense ? NunAer ? 

Person ? Why ? If a participle. Why ? ac-. 
tive or passive ? 

6. An adverb. Why is it an adverb ? 

7. A preposition. Why a preposition ? 

8. A conjunction. Why ? 

9. An interjection. Why ? 

B 



2 EXERCISES. 

SECT. II. 

Specimen of Etymological Parsing, 

'•Hope animates us." 

Hope is a common substantive, of the neuter gen^ 
der, the third person, in the singular number, and 
the nominative case. [Decline the substantive,] ,Bni'' 
mates is a regular verb active, indicative mood, pre- 
sent tense, third person singular [Repeat the pre^ 
sent tense, the imperfect tense, and the perfect var' 
ticiple; and sometimes conjugate tJie verb entirely."] 
Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, and in 
the objective case. [Decline the pronoun,] 

^' A peaceful mind is virtue's reward." 

Jl is the indefinite article. Peaceful is an adjective 
[Repeat the degrees of comparison!^ Mind is a com- 
mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third 
person, in the singular number, and the nominative 
case. [Decline the substantive,] Is is an irregular 
verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, and the 
third person singular. [Repeat the j^resent tense, the 
Imperfect tense, and the participle^ and occasion- 
ally conjugate the verb entirely,] Virtue's is a com- 
mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third 
person, in the singular number, and the possessive 
case. [Decline the substantive,] Reward is a common 
substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, 
in the singular number, and the nominative case. 

SECT. III. 

Article and Substantive* 

A bush An abbess 

A tree An owl 



A flower 

An apple 

An orange 

An almond 

A hood 

A house 

A hunter 

An hour 

An honour 

An hostler 

The garden 

The fields 

The rainbow 

The clouds 

The scholar's duty 

The horizon 

Virtue 

The vices 

Temperance 

A variety 

George 

The Rhine 

A prince 

A rivulet 

The Humber 

Gregory 

The Pope 

An inclination 

The undertaking 

Penelope 

Constancy 

An entertainment 

A fever 

The stars 

A comet 

A miracle 

A prophecy 

Depravity 



A building 

The weaver's comjiany 

Europe 

The sciences 

Yorkshire 

The planets 

The sun 

A volume 

Parchment 

The pens 

A disposition 

Benevolence 

An oversight 

A design 

The governess 

An ornament 

The girls' school 

A grammar 

Mathematics 

The elements 

An earthquake 

The king's prerogative 

Africa 

The continent 

Roundness 

A declivity 

Blackness 

An elevation 

The con([ueror 

An Alexander 

Wisdom 

America 

The Ca?sars 

Tlie Thames 

A river 

The shadows 

A vacancy 

The hollow 



fiXERCrSES, 



The constitution 

The laws 

Beauty 

A consumption 



An idea 
A whim 
Something 
Nothing 



SECT. IV. 



Article, Mjective and Substantive. 



A good heart. 
A wise head. 
A strong body. 
An obedient son. 
A diligent scholar. 
A happy parent. 
Shady trees. 
A fragrant flower ^ 
The verdant fields. 
A peaceful mind. 
Composed thoughts. 
A serene aspect. 
An affable deportment. 
The whistling winds. 
A dignified character. 
A pleasing address. 
An open countenance. 
The candid reasoner. 
Fair proposals 
Mutual agreement. 
A plain narrative. 
An historical fiction. 
Relentless war. 
An obdurate heart. 
Tempestuous passions. 
A temper unhappy. 
A sensual mind. 
The babbling brook, 
A limpid stream. 



A boisterous sea. 
The howling tempest. 
A gloomy cavern. 
Rapid streams. 
Unwholesome dews. 
A severe winter. 
A useless drone. 
The industrious bees. 
Harmless doves. 
The careless ostrich. 
The dutiful stork. 
The spacious firmament. 
Cooling breezes. 
A woman amiable. 
A free government. 
The diligent farmer. 
A fruitful field. 
The crowning harvest* 
A virtuous conflict. 
A final reward. 
Peaceful abodes. 
The noblest prospect. 
A profligate life. 
A miserable end. 
Regions gloomy. 
An incomprehensible sub- 
ject. 
A controverted point. 
The cool sequestered vale. 



.PAllSINO,. 



The devious walk. 
A winding canal. 
The serpentine river. 
A melancholy tact. 
An interesting history. 
A happier life. 
The woodbine's fra- 
grance. 
A cheering prosjiect. 
An harmonious sound. 
Fruit delicious. 
The sweetest incense. 
An odorous garden. 
The sensitive plant. 
A convenient mansion. 
"Warm clothing. 
A temperate climate. 
Wliolesome aliment. 
An affectionate parent. 



A garden enclosed. 

The ivy-mantled tower. 

Virtue's fair form. 

A mahogany table. 

Sweet-scented myrtle. 

A resolution wise, nobl^ 
disinterested. 

Consolation's lenient 
hand. 

A better world 

A cheerful, good old man.. 

A silver tea urn. 

Tender-looking charity. 

My brother's wife's mo- 
ther. 

A book of my friend's. 

An animating, vvell-foundT 
ed hope. 



SECT. V. 

Pronoun and Verb, ^'C. 



I am sincere. 

Thou art industrious. 

He is disinterested. 

We honour them. 

You encourage us. 

They commend her. 

Thou didst improve. 

He assisted me. 

We completed our jour- 
ney. 

Our hopes did flatter us. 

They have deceived me. 

Your expectation has 
failed. 

B ; 



Know yourselves. 

Let them advance. 

They may offend. 

I can forgive. 

He might surpass them. 

We could overtake him- 

I would be happy. 

You should repent. 

He may have deceived 
me. 

They may have forgot- 
ten. 

Thou mightst have im* 
proved. 



^ EXERCISES. 

The accident had happen- We should have consi- 

ed. sidered. 

He had resigned himself. To see the sun is pleasant. 
Their fears will detect To live well is honoura- 

them. hie. 

You shall submit. To have conquered him- 

They will obey us. self was his highest 

Good humour shall pre- praise. 

vail. Promoting others' wel- 

He will have determined, fare tliey advanced 
We shall have agteed. their own interest. 

Let me depart. He lives respected. 

Do you instruct him. Having resigned his of- 
Prepare your lessons. fice, he I'etircd. 

Let him consider. They are discouraged. 

Let us improve ourselves. He was condemned. 
We have been rewarded. The book is his; it was 
She had been admired. mine. 

Virtue will be rewarded. T!»ese are your's, those 
The person will have are ours. 

been executed when Our hearts are deceitful. 

the pardon arrives. Your conduct met their 
Let him be animated. approbation. 

Be you entreated. None met who could 

Let them be prepared. avoid it. 

It can be enlarged. His esteem is my honour. 

You may be discovered. Her work does her ore- 
He might be convinced. dit. 
It would be caressed. Each must answer the 
I may have been deceiv- question. 

ed. Every heart knows its 

They miglit have been ov^n sorrows. 

honoured. W^hich was his choice? 

To be trusted, we must It was neither. 

be virtuous. Hers is finished, thine is 

To have been admired, to do. 

availed him little. This is what I feared. 



Rediculed, despised, per- That is the thing which I 

secuted, he maintained desired. 

his principles. Who can preserve him- 

Being reviled, we bless. self ? 
Having been deserted, he Whose books are these ? 

became discouraged. Whom have we served ? 
The siglit being new, he Some are negligent, 

startled. others industrious. 

This uncouth figure star- One may deceive one's 

tied him. self. 

I have searched, I have All have a talent to im- 

found it. prove 

They searched those Can any dispute it ? 

rooms ; he was gone. Such is our condition. 

SECT. VI. 

•Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection, 

I have seen him once, Where shall we stop ? 

perhaps twice. Mentally and bodily, we 

Thirdly, and lastly, I are curiously and won- 

shall conclude. derfully formed. 

This plant is found here. They travelled through 

and elsewhere. France, in haste, to- 

Only to-day is properly waids Italy. 

ours. From virtue to vice, the 

The task is already per- progress is gradual. 

formed. By diligence and frugal- 

We could not serve him ity we arrive at corn- 
then, but we will here- petency. 

after. We are often below our 

We often resolve, but sel- wishes and above our 

dom perform. desert. 

He is much more promis- Some things make for 

ing now than formerly, him, and others against 
When will they arrive ? hira. 



8 EXEROISES. 

We are wisely and hap- By this imprudence he 

pily directed, was phmged into new 

He has certainly heen di- difficulties. 

ligent, and he will pro- Without the aid of chari- 

hably succeed. ty, he supported him- 

How sweetly the birds self with credit. 

sing ! Of his talents much might 

Why art thou so heed- be said ; concerning his 

less ? integrity, nothing 

He is little attentive, nay On all occasions, she be- 
absolutely stupid. haved with propriety. 
We in vain look for a Neither prosperity nor 

path between virtue and adversity has improved 

vice. him. 

He lives within his in- He can acquire no virtue, 

come. unless he make some 

The house was sold at a sacrifices. 

great price, and above Let him that standeth 

its value. take heed lest he fall. 

She came down stairs If thou wert his superior, 

slowly, but went brisk- thou shouldst not have 

ly up again. boasted. 

His father, and mother, He will be detected, 

and uncle, reside at though he deny the 

Rome. fact. 

We must be temperate, if If he has promised, he 

we would be healthy. should act accordingly. 
He is as old as his class- She will transgress, un- 

mate, but not so learned, less slie be admonished. 
Charles is esteemed be- If he were encouraged he 

cause he is both dis- would amend. 

creet and benevolent. Though he condemn me, 
We will stay till hearrives I will respect him. 
He retires to rest soon, Their talents are more 

that he may rise early, brilliant than useful. 
We ought to be thankful, Notwithstanding his po- 

for we have received verty, he is a wise and 

much* worthy person. 



Though he is often ad- If our desires are mode- 
vised, yet he does not rate, our wants will be 
reform. few. 

Reproof either softens or Hope often amuses, but 
hardens its object. seldom satisfies us. 

Though he is lively, yet Hark ! how sweetly the 
he is not volatile. wood lark sings ! 

peace, how desirable Ah ! the delusions of hope, 
thou art ! Hail, simplicity ! source 

1 have been often occu- of genuine joy. 

pied, alas ! with trifles. Behold, how pleasant it 
Strange ! that we should is for brethren to dwell 

be so infatuated. together in unity ! 

Oh ! the humiliations to Welcome again, my long 

■which vice reduces us. lost friend ! 

SECT. VII. 

Jijew instances of the same word's constituting several 
of the parts of speech. 

Calm vas the day, and He laboured to still the 

the scene delightful. tumult. 

We may expect a calm Still waters are commonly 

after a storm. deepest. 

To prevent passion, is Damp air is unwhole^ 

easier than to calm it. some. 
Better is a little with con- Guilt often casts a damp 

tent than a great deal over our sprightliest 

with anxiety. hours. 

The gay and dissolute Soft bodies damp the 

think little of the mise- sound much more than 

ries which are stealing hard ones. 

softly after them. Tho' she is rich and fair, 

A little attention will rec- yet she is not amiable. 

tify some errors. They are yet young, and 

Though he is out of dan- must suspend their 

ger, he is still afraid. judgment yet a while. 



IQ, EXERCISES. 

» 

Many persons are better Behave yourselves like 

than we suppose them men. 

to be. We are too apt to like 

The few and the many pernicious company. 

have their preposses- He may go or stay as he 

sions. likes. 

Few day pass without They strive to learn. 

some clouds. He goes to and fro. 

Much money is corrupt- To his wisdom we owe 

ing. our privilege. 

Think much, and speak The proportion is ten to 

little. one. 

He has seen much of the He has served them with 

world, and been much his utmost ability. 

caressed. When we do our utmost. 

His years are more than no more is inquired. 

hers ; but he has not I will submit, for I know 

more knowledge. submissionbrings peace. 

The more we are blessed, It is for our health to be 

the more grateful we temperate. 

should be. ! for better times. 

The desire of getting I have a regard for him. 

more is rarely satis- He is esteemed, both on 

fied. his own account, and 

He has equal knowledge, on that of his parents. 

but inferior judgment. Both of them deserve 
She is his inferior in praise. 

sense, but his equal in Yesterday was a fine day. 

prudence. I rode out yesterday. 

Every being loves its like. I shall write to-morrow. 
We must make a like To-morrow may be 

s;pacebetween the lines, brighter than to-day. 



SECT. VIIL 

jyvunSf Adjectives^ and Verbs, to be declined, com- 
pared, and conjugated. 

Write, in the nominative case plural, the follow- 
ing nouns : apple, plum, orange, bush, tree, plant, 
convenience, disorder, novice, beginning, defeat, 
protuberance. 

Write the follo^\ing substances, in the nomina^ 
tive case plural : cry, fly, cherry, fancy, glory, duty, 
boy, folly, play, liJy, toy, conveniency. 

Write the following nouns in the possessive case 
singular : boy, .2;irl, man, woman, lake, sea, church, 
lass, beauty, sister, bee, branch. 

Write the following in the nominative case plu- 
ral : loaf, sheaf, self, muff, knife, stuff, wife, staff, 
wolf, half, calf, shelf, life. 

Wi'ite the following in the possessive case plural: 
brother, child, man, woman, foot, tooth, ox, mouse, 
goose, penny. 

Write the following nouns in the nominative and 
possessive cases plural: wife, chief, die, staff, city, 
river, proof, archer, master, crutch, mouth, baker, 
distaflf. 

Write tlie possessive singular and plural of the 
pronouns, I, thou, he, slie, it, who and other. 

Write the objective cases, singular and plural, of 
the pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, and who. 

Compare the following adjectives: fair, grave, 
bright, long, short, tall, white, deep, strong, poor, 
rich, great. 

Compare the following adjectives : amiable, mo^ 
derate, disinterested, favourable, grateful, studious^ 
attentive, negligent, industrious, perplexing. 

Write the following adjectives, in the comparative 



i2 EXERCISES. 

degree : near, far, little, low, good, indifferent, bad, 
worthy, convenient. 

Write the following adjectives in the superlative 
degree; feeble, bold, 8;ood, ardent, cold, bad, base, 
little, strong, late, near, content. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the indicative 
mood, present tense : beat, gain, read, eat, walk, 
desire, interpose. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the potential 
mood, imperfect tense : fear, hope, dream, fly, con- 
sent, improve, controvert. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the subjunctive 
mood, perfect tense : drive, prepare, starve, omit, 
indulge, demonstrate. 

Conjugate the following words in the imperative 
mood : believe, depart, invent, give, abolish, con- 
trive. 

Write the following verbs in the infinitive mood, 
present and perfect tenses : grow, decrease, live, 
prosper, separate, incommode. 

Write the present, perfect, and compound parti- 
ciples, of the following verbs : confess, disturb, 
please, know, begin, sit, set, eat, lie, lay. 

Conjugate the foUowing verbs, in the indicative 
mood, present and perfect tenses of the passive 
voice : honour, abase, amuse, slight, enlighten, dis- 
please, envelope, bereave. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the indicative 
mood, pluperfect and first future tenses : fly, con- 
trive, know, devise, choose, come, see, go eat, 
grow, bring, forsake. 

Write the following verbs in the present and im- 
perfect tenses of the potential and subjunctive 
moods : know, shake, heat, keep, give, blow, be- 
stow, beseech. 

Write the following verbs in the indicative mood, 
imptrfect and second future tenscs> of the passive 



A oicc ; slay, draw, crown, tlirow, defeat, grind, hear, 
divert. 

Write the following verbs in the second and third 
persons singular of all the tenses in the indicative 
and siibjunctive moiids : approve, condemn, mourn, 
freeze, know, arise, drive, blow, investigate. 

Form the following verbs in the infinitive and 
imperative moods, witii their participles, all in tlie 
passive voice : embrace, draw, defeat, smite. 

SECT. IX. 

Fromiscuous Exercises in Etymological Parsing. 

In your whole beijaviour, be humble and obliging. 

Virtue is the universal charm. 

True politeness has its seat in the heart. 

We should endeavour to please, rather than to 
shine and dazzle. 

Oj)portunities occur daily for strengthening in 
ourselves the habits of virtue. 

Compassion prompts us to relieve the wants of 

OtllCl'S. 

A good mind is uir^^i]ling to give pain to either 
man or beast. 

Peevishness and passion often produce, from tri- 
fles, the most serious mischiefs. 

Discontent ofym nourishes passions, equally ma- 
lignant in the cottage and in the palace. 

A great proportion of human evils is created by 
ourselves. 

A j)assion for revenge has always been consider- 
ed as the mark of a little and mean mind. 

If greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our 
dangers. 

To our own failings we are commonly blind. 

The friendships of young persons are often found- 
ed on capricious likings. 
C 



/ 

14 EXERCISES. 

In your youthful amusements, let no unfairness 
be found. 

Engrave on your minds this sacred rule ; ** Do 
unto others as you wish that they should do unto 
you.'-' 

Truth and candour possess a powerful charm : 
they bespeak universal favour. 

After the first departure from sincerity it is sel- 
dom in our power to stop: one artifice generally 
leads on to another. 

Temper the vivacity of youth with a proper mix- 
ture of serious thought. 

The spirit of true religion is social, kind, and 
cheerful. 

Let no compliance with the intemperate mirth of 
olhers ever betray you into profane sallies. 

In preparing for another world, we must not 
neglect the duties of this life. 

The manner in which we employ our present 
time may decide our future happiness or misery. 

Happiness does not grow up of its own accord ; 
it is tlie fruit of long cultivation, and the acquisition 
of labour and care. 

A plain understanding is often joined with great 
worth. 

The brightest parts are sometimes found without 
virtue or h niour. ~ 

Uovv frebleare the attractions of tiie fairest form, 
when nothing within corresjjonds to them ! 

Pit ty a»j! virtue are particularly graceful arvd 
becomiiig ^v. youth. 

Can we, untouched by gratitude, view that pro- 
fusion of good which the Divine hand pours around 
us ? 

There is nothing in human life more amiable and 
res: cTable, tlia). the character of a truly humble 
and benovoient man. 



What feelings are more uneasy and distressful, 
than the workings of sour and angry passions ? 

No man can be active in disquieting others, who 
does not, at the same time, disquiet himself. 

A life of pleasure and dissipation is an enemy to 
health, fortune, and character. 

To correct the spirit of discontent, let us consider 
how little we deserve, and how much we enjoy. 

As far as happiness is to he found on earth, we 
must look for it, not in the world or the things of 
the world ; but within ourselves, in our temper, and 
in our heart. 

Tliough bad men attempt to turn virtue into ridi- 
cule, they honour it at the bottom of their hearts. 

Of what small moment to our real happiness are 
many of those injuries which draw forth our resent- 
ment. 

In the moments of eager contention every thing 
is magnified and distorted in its appearance. 

Multitudes of the most obscure stations, are not 
less eager in their petty broils, -nor less tormented 
hy their passions, than if princely honours were the 
prize for which they contend. 

The smooth stream, the serene atmosphere, the 
mild zephyr, are the proper emblems of a gentle 
temper, and a peaceful life. Among the sons of 
strife, ail is load aiui tempestuous. 



EXERC'ISLS. 

CHAPTER II. 



Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both Etymo- 
logy and Syntax. 

See the Grammar, p. 197. 



SECT. I. 

Syntactical Parsing Table, 

Jirticle, Why is it the definite article : 

W \\y t !i e i n (1 e H u i te ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Substantive* Why is it in the possessive case? 

Why in tiie ohjective case ? 

Wliy in apposition ? 

Why is the apostiopliic s omitted? 
Adjective- What is its suhstar>tive ? 

Why in the singular, why in the plural 
number ? 

Why in the comparative de.^ree ? &c^ 

Wliy ,'1 ced after its substantive ? 

Why omitted? Why repeated? 
Pronoun. What is its antecedent? 

Why is it in the singular, wliy in the 
plural number ? 

Why oi the masculine. Why of the fe- 
minine, w!i> of the neuter gender ? 

Why of the first, of the seconi', or of 
the thii'd person ? %_'. 

Why is it the nomi!mtive case ? 

Why the possessive ? Why the objec- 
tive ? 

Why omitted ? Wliy repeated ? 
Verb, What is its nominative case ': 

What case does it govern ? 



PARSING. 17 

Why is it in the singular ? Why in the 
])inral number ? 

Why in the first person? &c. 

Why is it in the infinitive mood ? 

Why in the subjunctive? ^c. 

Why in this particular tense ? 

What relation has it to another verb, ia 
point of time ? 

Wjjy do participles sometimes govern 
the objective case? 

Why is ti»e verb omitted ? WIjv re})eat- 
eil ? 
Jdvcrb* What is its pi'oper situation ? 

Why is the double negative used ? 

Wjiy rejected ? 
Preposition, What case does it govern ? 

Which is the word governed ? 

Why this prejwsition ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
ConjimctionAY hsit moods, tenses, or cases, does it 
connect ? And why ? What mood 
does it require ? Wliy omitted ? Wiiy 
repeated ? 
Tnterjection, Why does the nominative case follow 
it? Why the objective? Why omit- 
ted ? Why repeated ? 

SECT. II. 'v 

i^pecimen of Syntactical Parsing, 

^* Vice degrades us." 

Vice is a common substantive, of the neuter gen- 
der, the third person, in tlie singular number, and 
the nominative case. Degrades is a regular verb ac- 
tive, indicative mood, present tense, tliird person sin- 
gular, agreeing with its nominative " vice," accord- 
C 2 



'3 EXEKCISE:^. 

in.^ to RULE I. wbich says ; (here i'ej)eat the rule.) 
Us is a personal pronoun, fiist person plural, in the 
objective case, and ^^overned by the active verb 
** degrades," agreeably to rule xi. which says, ^c. 

**He who lives virtuously prepares for all events.'* 

Tie is a personal pronoiuu of the third person, 
singular number, and masculine gender. Who is a 
relative pronoun, which has for its antecedent, 
'*he," with which it agrees in gender and number, 
according to rule v which says, &.c. Lives is a 
regular verb neuter, indicative mood, pi-esent tense, 
third person singular, agreeing with its nominative, 
*• who,*' according to rule vi. which says. Ace. — 
Virtuously is an adverb of quality. Prepares is a re- 
gular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, 
third person singular, agreeing with its nominative, 
*• he." For is a preposition. Ml is an adjective 
pronoun, of the indefinite kind, the plural number, 
and belongs to its substantive ** events," with which 
it agrees, according to rule viii. which says, &c. 
Events is a common substantive of the neuter gen- 
der, the third person, in the plural number, and the 
objective case, governed by the preposition ** for," 
according to rule xvii. which says, &c. 

/* If folly entice thee, reject its allurements." 

ijf is a copulative conjunction. Follij is a common 
substantive of the neuter gender, the third |)erson, 
in the singular number, and the nominative case. 
Entice is a regular verb active, subjunctive mood, 
present tense, third person singular, and is governed 
by the conjunction •* if," according to rule xix. 
which says, &c. Thee is a personal pronoun, of the 
second person singular, in the t>bjective case, govern- 
ed by the active verb " entice,'* agreeably to rule 
XI. which says, &c. Reject is a regular active verb, 



PARSING. • 19 

imperative mood, second person singular, and agrees 
with its nominative case, ** thou" implied. Its is a 
personal pronoun, third person singular number, a.id 
of the neuter i^ender, to agree with its substa'itive 
** folly," according to uui.e v. which says, he. It 
is in the possessive case, governed by the noun ** al- 
lurements," agieeably to kule x. which says, &c. 
Mlurements is a common substantive, of the neuter 
gender, the third person, in the plural number, and 
the objective case, governed by the active verb ** re- 
ject," according to kule xi. which says, <^cc. 

SECT. IIL 

Exercises on thejirst, second^ third, and fourth Rules 
of Syntax.^' 

1. The contented mind spreads ease and cheerful- 
ness around it. 

The school of experience teaches many useful 
lessons. 

In the path of life are many thorns, as well as 
flovvei's. 

Thou shouldst do justice to all men, even to ene- 
mies. 

2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promising 
youth. 

Food, clothing, and credit, ai'e the rewards of hi- 
dustry. 

He and William live together in great ha^^morx 

3. No age, nor condition, is exempt from tror.bi 
Wealth, or virtue, or at»y valuable acquiriiiio^:? >^ 

not attainable by idle wishes. 

* In parsing tijese exercises the pupil should r^^v :/ 
respective rule of vSyntax, and show that ii applies l; '.■..• 
•'^tncc wliich he is parsing^. 



2Q EXEUCISES. 

4. The British nation is ji^rcat aud j^rnorous. 
The company is assembled. It is composed ot* 

persons possessin!:^ very different sentiments. 

A herd of cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a 
pleasing sight. 

SECT. IV. 

Exercises on thejijllh sixth, seventh, and eight Rides 
of Syntax. 

5. The man who is faithfully attached to religion 
may be relied on with confidence. 

The vices which we should especially avoid are 
those which most easily beset us. 

6. They who are born in high stations are not al- 
ways happy. 

Our parents and teachers are tlie persons whom 
we ought, in a particular manner, to respect. 

If our friend is in trouble, we, whom he knows 
and loves, may console liim. 

7. Thou art the man who has imj)roved his privi- 
leges, and who will reap the leward. 

1 am the person who owns a fault committed, 
and who disdains to conceal it by falsehood. 

8 That sort of pleasure wealiens and debases 
the mind. 

' Even in these time:^, there are many persons, who 
from disinterested motives, are solicitous to promote 
the happiness of others. 

SECT. Y. 

Exercises on the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth 
Rules of Syntax. 

9. The restless, discontented person, is not a good 
friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject. 



PARSING. 2'1 

The young, llie healthy, and the prosperous, 
should not presume on their advantaj^es. 

10. The scholar's diligence will secure the tutor's 
approbation. 

The good parent's greatest joy is to see his chil- 
dren wise and virtu- ius. 

11. Wisdom and virtue ennoble us. Yice and 
folly debase us. 

Whom can we so justly love as them who have 
endeavoured to make us wise and happy ? 

12. When a person has nothing to do, he is al- 
most always tempted to do wrong. 

We need not urge Charles to do good: he loves 
to do it. 

We dare not leave our studies without permission. 

SECT. VL 

Exercises on the thirteenth^ fourteenth, fifteenth, six- 
teenlhf and seventeenth Mules of Sijntax, 

13. The business is, at last, completed ; but long 
ago 1 ill tended to do it. 

I expected to see the king before he left Wind- 
sor. 

The misfortune did happen ; but we early hoped 
and endeavoured to prevent it. 

To have been censured by so judicious a friend, 
would iiave greatly discouraged me. 

14. Having early disgraced himself, he became 
mean ajjd dispirited. 

Knowing him to be my superior, I cheerfully sub- 
mitted. 

15. We should always jirepare for the worst, and 
hope Uw the best. 



22 EXERCISES. 

A young man, so learned and virtuous, promises 
to be a very useful member of society. 

When our virtuous friends die, they are not lost 
for ever; they are only gone before us to a happier 
world. 

16. Neither threaten ings, nor any promises, could 
make him violate the truth. 

Charles is not insincere ; and therefore we may 
trust him. 

17. From whom was that information received ? 
To whom do that house and those fine gardens 

belong ? 

SECT. VII. 

Exercises on the eighteenth^ nineteenth^ twentieth^ 
twenty-first and twenty second Rules of Syntax. 

18. He and I commenced our studies at the same 
time. 

if we contend about trifles, and violently maintain 
our opinion, we shall gain but few friends. 

19. Though James and myself are rivals, we do 
not cease to be friends. 

If Ciiarles acquire knowledge, good manners, and 
virtue, he will secure esteem. 

'William is respected because he is upright and 
obliging. 

20. These persons are abundantly more oppressed 
than we are. 

Though I am not so good a scholar as he is, I 
am, perhaps, not less attentive than he, to study* 

21. Charles was a man of knowledge, learning, 
politeness and religion. 

In our travels we saw much to approve, and much 
to condemn. 



25. The book is improvwl by many useful cor- 
rections, aitei-ations, and additions. 

She is more talkative and lively than her brother, 
but not so well informed, nor so unilormly cheerful], 

SECT. VIIT, 

Promiscuous Exercises in Syntactical Parsing, 



Dissimulation in youth, is the forerunner of pep<- 
fidy in old age. Its first appearance is the fatal omen 
of iCfowing depravity and future shame. 

If we possess not the power of self- j^overnment, 
we shall be the prey of every loose inclination that 
chan'v L's to arise. Pampered by continixal indul- 
gences ail our ])assions will become mutinous and 
headsiroijg. Desire, not reason, will be the ruling 
priucij)le of our conduct. 

Absui'dly we spend our time in contending about 
the trilles of a day, vvl»ile we ought to be preparing 
for a hig!)er existence. 

How little do they know of the true happiness of 
life, who are strangers to that intercourse of good 
Oiftces and kind affecti<Mis which, by a pleasing 
charm, attaches men to ojie another, and circulates 
rational enjoyment from heart to heart! 

If we view ourselves, with all our imperfections 
and failings, in a just light, we shall rather be sur- 
prised at o>ir enjoying so many good things, than dis- 
contented because there are any which we want. 

True clieerfulness makes a man happy in hi»nself, 
and promotes the happit ess of all around him. It 
is the clear and calm sunshine of a mindiliuminatctl 
by piety and virtue. 

Wlierever views of interest ar.d prospects of 
return mingle with the feelings of affection, se?n« 



24 EXERCISES. 

sibiliiy acts an imperfect part, and entitles us to 
smalJ share of commendation. 

Let not your exj)ectations from the years that arc 
to come, rise too high; and your disappointments 
will be levver, and more easily suppoitcd. 

To live long ought not to be our favourite wish, 
so much as to live well. By continuing too long on 
earth, \\e might only live to witness a greater num- 
ber of melancholy scenes, and to expose ourselves 
to a wider compass of human wo. 

How many pass aw ay some of the most valuable 
years of tlieir lives, tost in a whirlpool of wnat can- 
not be called pleasure, so much as mere giddiness 
and folly ! 

Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh 
characters well, before you connect yourselves too 
closely w ith any who court your society. 

The true iionour of man consists not in the mul- 
titude of riches, or the elevation of rank; for ex- 
perience shows, tliat these may be possessed by the 
worthless, as well as by the deserving. 

Beauty of form has often betrayed its possessor. 
The flower is easily blasted. It is short-lived at the 
best ; and trifling, at any rate, in comparison with 
the higher, and more lasting beauties of tiic tniad. 

A contented temper opens a clear sky, and bi-iglit- 
cns every object around us. It is in the sullen and 
dark shade of discontent, that noxious passions, 
like venomous animals, breed and prey upon the 
heart. 

Thousandsr whom indolence has sunk into con- 
temptible obscurity, might have come forward to 
usefulness and honour, if idleness had not frustrated 
the effects of all their powers. 

Sloth is like the slowly-flowing, putrid stream, 
which stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous ani- 
mals and poisonous plants; and infects with pesti- 
lential vapours the whole country round it. 



Disappointments derange, and overcome, vulgar 
minds. The patient and the wise, by a proper im- 
provement, frequently make them contribute to 
their high advantage. 

Whatever fortune may rob us of, it cannot take 
away what is most valuable, the peace of a good con- 
science, and the cheering prospect of a happy con- 
elusion to all the trials of life, in a better world. 

Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with, 
so as to pursue revenge; by the disasters of life, so 
as to sink into despair ; by the evil examples of the 
world, so as to follow them into sin. Overcome 
injuries? by forgiveness; disasters by fortitude; evil 
examples, by firmness of principle. 

Sobriety of mind is one of those virtues, which 
the present condition of human life strongly incul- 
cates. The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks 
presumption; the multiplicity of its dangers, de» 
mands perpetual caution. Moderation, vigilance, 
and self-government, are duties incumbent on all ; 
but especially on such as are beginning the journey 
of life. 

The charms and comforts of virtue are inexpres- 
sible; andean only l)c justly conceived by those 
wiio possess her. The consciousness of Divine ap- 
probation and support, and the steady hope of future 
hapj)iness, communicate a peace and joy, to which 
all the delights of the world bear no resemblance. 

If we knew how much the pleasures of this life 
deceive and betray their unhappy votaries; and re- 
flected on the disappointments in pursuit, the dis- 
satisfaction in enjoyment, or the uncertainty of pos- 
session, which every where attend them ; we should 
cease to be enamoured of these brittle and tran- 
sient joys ; and should wisely fix our hearts on those 
virtuous attainments, which the world can neither 
,giYe nor take away. 

D 



26 EXEUClbEH. 



POETRY. 

Order is heaven's first law ; and this conl'csf, 
Some are, and must be, greater than the rest, 
More rich, more wise, but who infers from hencCf 
That such are happier, shocks all common sense. 

Needful austerities our wills restrain ; 

As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm. 

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense. 
Lie in tliree words, health, peace, and competence : 
But health consists with temperance alone ; 
And peace, virtue ! peace is all tliy own. 

On earth nought precious is obtained, 

But what is painful too ; 
By travel and to travel born, 

Our sabbaths are but few. 

Who noble ends by nobFe means obtains. 
Or failing, smiles in exile or in chains, 
Like good Aui-elius let him reign, nr bleed 
Like Socrates, that man is great indeed* 

Our hearts are fastened to this world 
, By strong and endless ties ; 
But every sorrow cuts a string, 
And urges us to rise. 

Oft pining cares in rich brocades are drcst, 
And diamonds glitter on an anxious breast 

Teach me to feei another's wo. 

To hide the fault I see ; 
That mercy i to others sIjow, 

That mercy show to me» 



This clay be bread, and peace, my lot; 

All else beneatli the sun, 
Thou know'st if best bestowM or not, 

And let thy will be done. 

Vice is a monster of so frightful mieit; 
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen : 
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, 
We first endure, then pity, then embrace* 

If nothing more than purpose in thy power. 
Thy purpose firm, is equal to the deed ; 
Who does the best his circumstance allows, 
Does well, acts nobly j angels could no morCi 

In faith and hope the world will disagree^ 
But ail mankind's concern is charity. 

To be resigned when ills betide, 
Patient when favours are denied. 

And pleas'd with favours given ; 
Most surely this is Wisdom's part. 
This is that incense of the heart, 

Who^e fragrance smells to Heaven. 

All fame is foreign, but of true desert; 

Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart 5 

One self-approving hour whole years outweighs 

Ot stupid starers, and of loud huzzas; 

And more true joy' Marccllus exiPd feels. 

Than Caesar with a senate at his heels. 

Far from the madd'ning crowd's ignoble strife. 
Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray ; 

Along the cool sequestered vale of life, 
They kept th# noiseless tenor Qf their way. 



2B lilXKHeiSES. 

What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy. 
The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy, 
Is virtue's prize. 

Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, 
Whose trembling limbs have borne him to your door, 
Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span : 
Oh ! give relief, and Heaven will bless your store.^ 

Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor: 
Who lives to fancy never can be ricli. 

When young, life's journey I began» 

The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes ; 

I saw, along th' extended plain, 
Joy after joy successive rise. 

fiut soon I found 'twas all a dream ; 

And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun. 
Where few can reach the purpos'd aim. 

And thousands daily are undone. 

^Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours. 
And ask them what report they bore to Heav'n. 

All nature is but art unknown to thee ; 

All chance, direction which thou canst not see; 

All discord, harmony not understood ; 

All partial evil, universal good. 

Heaven's choice is safer than our own ;, 

Of ages pasr inquire. 
What the most formidable fate ; 

** To have oirr own desire." 

If ceaseless, thus, the fowls of Heav'n he feeds. 
If o'er the fields such lucid robes he spreads ; 
Will he not care for you, ye faithless, sHy ? 
Is he unwise ? or, are ye loss tiian thev f 



29 



The spacious firmament on high. 
With all the blue ethereal sk}. 
And spangled heav'ns, a shining frame, 
Their great original proclaim : 
Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, 
.Does his Creator's power display. 
And publishes to every land, 
The work of au Almighty hand. 

Soon as the ev'ning sha^ies prevail. 
The moon takes up the wond'rous ale. 
And, nightly, to the listening earth. 
Repeats the story of her birth i 
Whilst all the stars that round her burn. 
And all the planets in their turn. 
Confirm the tidings as they roll. 
And spread the truth from pole to pole. 

What though, in solemn silence, all 
Move round the dark terrestrial ball ! 
What though nor real voice nor sound. 
Amid their radient orbs be found! 
In reason's ear they all rejoice. 
And utter forth a glorious voice. 
Forever singing as they shine, 
" The baud that made us is Divine/^ 



D2 



PART IL 
EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 

CHAP, I. 

Containing instances of false Orthography^ arranged 
under the respective Rules. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. X. 



Monosyllables ending with f, 1, or s, preceded by a 
single vowel, double the final consonant ; as, staff, 
mill, pass, <^c. The only exceptions are, of, if, as, 
is, has, was, yes, his, this, us, and thus. 

It is no great merit to spel properly ; but a great 
defect to do it incorrectly, ' 

Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top 
of his staf. 

We may place too little, as well as too much stres 
upon dreams. 

Our manners should neither be gros, nor exces- 
sively refined. 

RULE II. 

Monosyllables ending with any consonant but f, l^ 
or s, and preceded by a single vowel, never double the 
final consonant ; excepting only, add, ebb, but, egg, 
odd, err, in, bunn^ purr, and bu%%. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 2. 

A carr signifies a chariot of war, or a small caiv 
riage of burden. 

In the names of druggs and plants, the mistake in 
a word may endanger life. 



aUTHO GRAPH Y. SI 

Nor dnileliglitful is the ceaseless humm 

To him who muses through the woods at noon. 

The finn of a fish is the limh by which he balan- 
ces his body, and moves in the water. 

Many a trapp is laid to ensnare the feet of youth. 

Many thousand families are supported by the sim- 
ple business of making matts. 

RULE IJI. 

Tf'ords ending with y, preceded by a consonant, form 
the plurals of nouns, the persons of verbs, verbal nouns, 
past participles, comparatives, and superlatives, by 
changing y into i ; as spy, spies : I carry, thou car- 
riest ; he carrieth or carries ; carrier, carried ; happy/^ 
happier, happiest. 

The present participle ing, retains the y, that i 
may not be doubled ; as, carry, carrying ; burij, hu- 
rying,Sfc. 

But y, preceded by a vowel, in such instances as the 
above, is not changed ; as, boy, boys ; I cloy, he cloys, 
cloyed, ^c. ; except in lay, pay, and say ;from which 
are formed, laid, paid, and said; and their compound^, 
unlaid, unpaid, unsaid, ^c. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 2. 

We should subject our fancy s to the government 
of reason. 

If thou art seeking for the living amongst the 
dead thou wearyest thyself in vain. 

If we Iiave denyed ourselves sinful pleasures, we 
shall be great gainers in the end. 

We sliall not be the happyer for possessing talents 
and aflQuence, unless we make a right use of them. 

The truly good mind is not dismaied by poverty, 
afflictions, or death. 



EXEUCISES, 



Worfh ernlins; with j, preceded hy a consonant, upon 
asmmin^ an additional syllable b:.: inning with >■ f - n- 
sonant, commonly change y into i ; as, happy, happily, 
happiness. But when y is pi-fadrd by a vowel, if is 
very rarely changed in the additiortnl syllable ; as, coy^ 
coyly ; boy, boyish, boyhood; annoy, annoyed, annoy- 
ance ; joyy joyless, j"yfu^i '^c- » 

Grammar, p. 33. Key, p. 2. 

It is a great blessini:^ to have a bound minily unin- 
fluenced by fancy ful humours. 

Common calamities, and common blessings, fall 
heavyly upon tlie envious. 

The comelyncss of youtli are modesty and frank- 
ness: of a<^e, condescension and dignity. 

When we act aajainst conscience, we become the 
destroiers of our own peace. 

We may be plaiful, and yet innocent, grave, and 
yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that 
our true character can be portraied. 



Monosyllables^ and words accented on the last sylla" 
hie, ending with a single consonant preceded by a single 
vowel, double that consonant, when th y take another syl» 
table beginning with a vowel : as, wit, witty ; thin, thin- 
nish ; to abeti an abettor; to begin, a beginner. 

But if a dipthong precedes, or the accent is on the 
preceding syilablet the consonant remains single ; as, to 
toil, toiling ; to offer, an ffering ; maid, maiden, 6fc. 

Grammar, p. 35, Key, p. 3, 

When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we 
have in effect annuled his laws. 

By defering our repentance, we accumulate our 
sorrows. 

The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were 



OUTHOGin'HY. vio 

iK>t, during their lirst years of study, permitted to 
ask any questions. 

We all have many failiings and lapses to lament 
and recover. 

There is no affliction with which we are visitted, 
that may not be improved to our advantage. 

The Christian Lawgiver h^s prohibitted many 
things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. 

RULE VI, 

ff'^ords ending with any double letter but I, and 
taking ness, less, ly, or ful, after them, preserve the 
letter double; as 9 harinlessnesst carelessness, carelessly, 
stiffly, successful, distressful, Sfc. But those words 
which end with double I, and take ness, less, ly, or 
ful, after them, generally omit one 1, as fulness, skil^ 
less, fully, skilful, <^^c. 

Grammar, p. 36, Key, p. 3. 

Restlesness of mind disqualifies us, both for tfie 
enjoyment of peace, and the perforffiance of our duty. 

'J lie arrows of calumny fail harm lesly at the feet 
of virtue. 

The road to the blisful regions, is as open to the 
peasant as to the king. 

A chillness or shivering of the body generally pre- 
cedes a fever. 

To recommend virtue to others, our light must 
3hine brightly, not dullly. 

The silent stranger stood amaz'd to see 

Contempt of wealth, and willful proverty. 

RULE VII, 

Ness, less, ly, and ful, added to words ending with 
fUent e, do not cut it off: as, paleness, guileless, closely , 
peacefiU except in afew words : as, duly, truly, awful. 



34 EXERCISES, 

The warmth of disputation, destroys that sedat- 
uees of mind which is necessary to discover truth. 

All these with ceasless praise his works behold, 
Both day and night. 

In ail our reasonings, our minds should be sin- 
cerly employed in the pursuit of truth. 

Rude behaviour and indecent language, are pecu- 
liarly disgracful to youth of education. 

The true worship of God, is an important and 
aweful service. 

Wisdom alone is truely fair : folly only appears so. 

R17I.E VIII, 

Ment, added to words ending with silent e, general- 
ly preserve$ the tfrom elision: as, abatement f chastise- 
ment, incitement, ^'c The words judgment, abridge 
ment, acknowledgment, are dtviations from the rule. 

JAke other terminations it changes y into i, when 
preceded by a consonant : as, accompany, accompani*^ 
ment; merry, merriment. 

Grammar, p. 36. Key, p. 4. 

The study of the English language is raakiiig dai- 
ly advancment. 

A judicious arrangment of studies facilitates im- 
provment. 

To shun allurments is not hard, 

To minds resolv'd, forewarn'd, *nd well prepar'd. 



Able and ible, when incorporated into words end- 
hig with silent e, almost always cut it off: as, blame, 
Uamable; cure, curable; sense, sensible, ^c. ; but if 
c or g soft comes before e in the original word, the t 
is then preserved in wordn compounded with able ? 09^ 
sfmnge, changeable ; peace, peaceable, ^c. 



ORIHOGRAI'HV. 



GrnnjTnar, p. 56. Key, p. 4. 

Every person and thin.e^ connected with self, is 
apt to appear ,e:ood and desireable in our eyes. 

Errors and misconduct are more excuseable iti 
ignorant, than in well-instructed persons. 

The divine laws arc not i*everseible by those of 
men. 

Gratitude is a forceible and active principle in 
good and ejenerous minds. 

Our natural and involuntary defects of body, are 
not charj*ahle upon us. 

We are made to be servicable to others, as well 
as to ourselves. 



When ing or isli is added in ivords ending iLnth s/- 
lent e, the e is almost universallij oviitted : as, place 
placing : lodge, hnlgin^ : slare^ shivis/i, prude, prudish. 

An obliii^einp: and hunihic disposition, is totally 
unconnected with a spin lie and crinajeing humour. 

By solacoi»»|aj the sorrows of others, tlie lieart is 
improved, at the same time that our duty is per- 
formed. 

Labour and expense are lost upon a droneish spirit. 

The inadvertences of youth may be excused, birt 
knaveish tricks should meet with severe reproof. 



Words taken info eompo^ition, often drop those fettery 
irkich were superfuous in iheir simples ; as, handfui^ 
dunghil, withalj also, chilblain, forttl. 

Grammar, p. 36. Key, p. 5. 

Love worketh no ill to our neighbour, and is th«t 
fiillfilling of the law. 

Tliat which is sometimes expedients 13 not all- 
ways St). 



^^ EXERCISES. C Promiscuous: 

We may behurtfull toothers, by our example, as 
well as by personal injuries. 

Where dili,^eni^e o'ptns the door of the intder- 
standing, and impartiality keeps it, truth finds an 
entrance and a wellconii! too. 

CHAP. II. 

Containing instances of false oRTHOGUAFHY,prom/s-- 
cuoiislij disposed. 
Seethe Key, p. 5. 
As the learners must be supposed to be tolerably 
^^rsed in the spelling of words in very familiar use, 
the compiler has generally selected, for the follow- 
ing exercises, such words as are less obviowslv erro- 
neous, and in the use of which voung peisJns are 
more likely to commit mistakes.' Though the in- 
stances which he gives of these deviations are not 
very numerous, yet, it is presumed, they are exhi- 
bited with sufficient vaii-ty to show the necessity of 
care and attention in corabiuing letters and sylla- 
bles; and to excite the ingejiious student to investi- 
gate the principles and rules of our Orthography, 
as well as to distinguish the exceptions and varia* 
tions which every where attend them. 

In rectifying these exercises, the Compiler has 
been governed by Doctor Johnson's Dictionary, a?^ 
the standai^d of propriety. This work is, indisputa- 
bly, the best authority for the Orthography of the 
English language ; though the author, in some in- 
stances, has made decisions, which are not generally 
approved, and for which it is not easy to account.* 
SECT. I. 
, Key, p. 5. 
Neglect no opportunity of doing good. 
No man can stedily build upon accidents. 

How shall we keep what, sleeping or awak^, 
A weaker may surprise, a stronger take ' 



Promiscuortfi.) oui noGRAriiY. ST 

Neither time iinr misfortunes slionld eraigetlie rc- 
membciatire ol" a friend. 

MocJeratioii should preside, both in the kitcliin 
and the parlor. 

Shall we recieve good at the Divine hand, and 
shall Me not recieve evil ? 

!n iuany designs, we may succede and be misera- 
ble 

We should have senre and virtue enough to re- 
cced from our demands, when they appear to be un- 
resonable. 

All our comforts procede from the Father of. 
Goodness. 

The ruin of a state is generally preceeded by a 
universal degenaracy of manners, and a contempt 
of re'igion. 

His father omited nothing in his education, that 
might render him virtuous and useful!. 

The daw in the fable was dressed in pilfeiTed or- 
naments. 

A favor confei'ed with delicacy, doubles the ob- 
ligation. 

They tempted their Creator, and limitted tlie Ho- 
ly One of Izrael. 

The prece]:ts of a good education have often re- 
cured in the time of need. 

We are frequently benefitted by what we have 
dreaded. 

It is no great virtue to live loveingly with good 
natured and meek persons. 

The Christian religion gives a more lovly cha- 
racter of God, than any religion ever did. 

W' ithout sinsterous views, they are dextrous ma*- 
uagers of their own inter-est. 

Any thing commitcd to the trust and care of an0*- 
ther, is a deposit. 

Here finnish'd he and all that he had made 
VieuM and belield ! All was intirely good^ 
E 



3'8 EXEUCiSES. (Promiscuous: 

It deserves our best skil to enquire 'mfo tliose 
rules by which we may guide our Ju'lgcinent. 

Food, clotheing, and habitations, arc the rewards 
of industry. 

If we lie no restr.iint upon our lusts, no controul 
upon our apetites and passions, they will hurry us 
into guilt and misery. 

An indcpendant is one who, in religious affairs, 
liolds that every congregation is a complcat Church; 

Receive his council, and seciirly move •. 
Entrust thy fortune to the Power above. 

Following life in cretures we disect. 
We lose it in the moment we detect. 

The acknowledgement of our transgressions must 
precede the forgivness of them. 

Judicious abridgements often aid the studys of 

youth. 

Examine how tliy humor is enclin'd, 

And which the ruleing" passions of thy mind, 

— He faulters at the question : 

His fears, his words, his looks, declare him guilty, 

Calicoe is a thin cloth made of cotton ; some- 
times stained with lively colors. 

To promote iniquity in others, is nearly the same 
as being the acters of it ourselvs. 

The glasier s business was unknown to the antients. 

The antecedant, in grammer, is the noun or pro- 
noun to which the relative refers. 

SECT. IL 

Key, p. 7, 

Be not affraid of the wicked : they are under the 
controul of Providence. Consciousness of guilt 
may justly alright us. 

Convey ♦^' others no inteligence whuli you wout<! 
lie ashamed to avow. 



Promiscuous. J ORlHOGRAPHif. o9 

Many are weighed in the ballance, and found 
wanting. 

How many disapointments have, in their conse- 
quences, saved a man from ruin ! 

A well poised mind makes a chearful countenance. 

A certain hou^iioider planted a vin^ard, but the 
men^mployed in it made ungrateful/ returns. 

Let us show dil^igence in every laudii)le under- 
taking. ^ 

Ciniamon is the fragrant bark of a low tree in the 
Hand of Ceylon. ..- 

A ram will but? with his head, though he be 
brought up tame, and never saw the action. 

We percieve a piece of silver in a bason, when 
water is poured on it, though we could not discover 
it before. 

Virtue im.balms the memory of the good. 
^ The king of Great Brittain is a limitted monarch ; 
and the Brittish nation a free people. 

The phisician may dispence the medicin, but 
Providence alone can bless it. 

In many persuits we imbark with pleasure, and 
land sorrov\ fully. 

Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of indispen- 
sible use, both to the earth and to man. 

The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the best con- 
dition, when their is the least noize or buz in it. 

The roughnesses found on our enterance into the 
patiis of virtue and learning, grow smoother as we 
advance. 

1 liat which was once the most beautifull spot of 
Italy, coverred with pallaces, imbellished by prin- 
ces, and cellehrated by poets, has now^ nothing to 
shows but ruins. 

Batterring rams wo antiently used to beat down 
the walls of a city. 

Jocky signifies a man who rides horses in a rac€; 
or who deals in horses. 



.Ip EXERCISES. (Promiscuous^ 

The harmlesness of miiny animals, and the injoy- 
ment which they have of life, should plead for them 
against cruel useage. 

We may be very buzy, to no useful! purpose. 
^ We cannot plead in abatment of our guilt, that 
we are ignorent of our duty 

Genuine charaty, how liberal soever it may b€|, 
will never impoverish ourselves. If we sew spar- 
ingly, we shall reap accordingly. 

However disagreable, we must resolutly perform 
our duty. 

A fit of sickness is often a kind chastisment and 
disciplin, to moderate our affections for the things 
of this life. 

It is a happyness to young persons, when they 
are preserved from the snares of the world, as in a 
garden inclosed. 

Health and peace, the most valueable posessions^ 
are obtained at small expence. 

Incence signifies perfumes exhailed by fire, and 
made use of in religious ceremonies. 

True happyness is an ennemy to pomp and noize. 

Few reflexions are more distresing, than those 
which we make on our own ingratitude. 

Tliere is an inseperable connection between piety 
and virtue. 

Many actions have a fair complection, which have 
not sprung from virtue. 

Which way soever we turn ourselvs, we are in- 
countered with sensable demonstrations of a Deity. 

If we forsake the ways of virtue, we cannot alledge 
any color of ignorance, or want of instruction. 

SECT. III. 

Key, p. 9. 

There are more cultivaters of the earth, than of 
their own hearts 

Man is incompassed with dangers innumerable. 



PrOun-^ClLuliA J ORTHOGRAPHY. 4'i 

War is attended with distreHful and dessolating 
effects. It is confessedly the scorgc ol* our angry 
passions. 

The earth is the Lord's, and the full^ness thereof. 

The harvest truely is plenteous, hut the lahorers 
are tew. 

The gi'eater our incitments to evil, the greater 
will be our victory and reward. 

We should not incourage persons to do what they 
beleive to be wrong. 

Virtue is placed between two extreams, which 
are both equally blamj^able. 

We should continually have tlse gaol in our view, 
wliich would direct us in the race. 

The goals were forced open, and tlie prisone.'s 
set free. 

I? cannot be said that we are charitihie doners, 
when our gifts proceed from selfish motives, 

Straig.ht is the gate, and narrow the way, that 
lead to life eternal. 

Integrity leads us strait forward, disdaining all 
doublings, and crooked paths. 

Licenciousness and crimes ])avc the way to ruin. 

Words are the countres of wise men, but the mo- 
ney of fools. 

Recompencc to no man evil for evil. 

He was an excellent person ; a mirrour of anti- 
ent faith in early youth. 

Meekness controuls bur angry passions ; candor, 
our severe judgements. 

He is not only a descendent from pious ancesters, 
but an inheriter too of their virtues. 

A dispensatory is the place where medicines are 
dispensed : a dispensary is a book in which the 
composition of them is described. 

Faithfulness and judgment are peculiarly requisite 
in tcstamentory executors. 

To be faith full among the faithless, argues gi'oat 
sfi-ength of prinripal. 



4il £XERcisRS. ( ProTniscUous,^ 

Mountains appear to be like so many wens or 
unatural pi-otuberancies on the face of the earth. 

In some places the sea incroaches upon the land i 
in others, the land upon the sea. 

Philosophers agreed in dispizing riches, as the iir- 
cumberances of life. 

Wars are regulated robberries and pyracics. 

Fishes encrease more than beasts or birds, as ap 
pears from their numerous spaun. 

The piramids of Egypt have stood more than 
three thousand yeais. 

Precepts have small influence, when not inforceil 
by example. 

How has kind Heav*n adorn'd the happy land, 
And scatter'd blessings with a wasteful hand ! 

A friend exaggarates a man's virtues, an enemy 
enflames his crimes. 

A witty and humourous vein has often produced 
ennemies. 

Neither pleasure nor buziness should ingross our 
time and affections ; proper seasons should be alot- 
ted for retirment 

It is laudable to enquire before we determin. 

Many have been visitted with afflictions, who have 
not profitted by them. 

We may be succesful and yet disappointed. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 11. 

The experience of want inhances the value of 
^plenty. 

To maintain opinions stifly, is no evidence of 
their truth, or of our moderation. 

Hor hound has been famous for its medicinal 
Jr]ualities ; but it is now little used. 

The wicked are often ensnared in the trap w^hicli 
they lie for others. 



Prom2wuou6-.j ohthographv,. . V 

It is hard to say what diseases are cur«iable : they 
are all under the guidunce of Heaven. 

Instructors should not only he skillfull in those 
sciences which they teach ; but have skil in the me- 
thod of teaching, and patience in the practise. 

Science strengthens and inlarges the minds of 
men. 

A steady mind may receive council ; but there is 
no hold on a changeable humour. 

We may enure ourselves by custom, to bear the 
extremities of whether without injury. 

Excessive merry ment is the parent of greif. 

Air is sensable to the touch by its motion, and by 
its resistance to bodies moved in it. 

A polite address is sometimes the cloke of malice. 

To practice virtue is the sure way to love it. 

Many things are plausable in theory, which fail 
in practise. 

Learning and knowlege must be attained by slo\r 
degrees : and are the reward only of dilligence and 
patience. 

We should study to live peacably with all men. 

A soul that can securly death defy. 
And count it nature's priviledge to die. 

Whatever promotes the interest of the soul, is 
also condusive to our present felicity. 

Let not the sterness of virtue afright us ; she will 
soon become aimable. 

The spatious firmament on high, 
W^*h ull the bhie ethenel sky. 
And spangled heav'ns a shineing frame, 
Their great Origin^ proclame. 

. Passion is the drunkeness of the mind : it super- 
cedes tlie workings of reason. 

If we are sincere, we may be assured of an advo- 
cate to intersede for us. 

We ought not to corisider theencrease of another's 
reputation as a dimwinution of our own. 



4;4 KXERciSES. ( Promiscuous. 

The wieiiiatism is a painful distemper, supposed 
to proc^fl^ from acrid liuinqrsi. 

The beautiful and accomplished, are too apt to 
study beha/vbur rather than virtue. 

The pea^atit's cab^in contains as much content 
as the sovcrein s paj^ace. 

True valor protects the feeble, and humbles the 
opress^r. 

David, the son of Jesse, was a wise and valient 
man. 

Prophecies and miracles proclamed Jesus Clirist 
to be the Saviour of tije w orld. ^ , 

Esau sold his birthright for a savbry mess of pot- 
tage. ,^ 

A regular and virtjpous education, is an inestim- 
able blessing. 

Honour and shame from no condition rise ; 
Act well your part ; there, all the honor lies. 

The rigor of monkish disciplin oft^m conceals 
great depravity of heart. 

We should recollect, tliat however favorahip we 
may be to ourselves, we are rigofcrously examined 
by others. 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 13. 

Virtue can render youth, as well as old age, ho- 
norable. 

Rumor often tells false tales. • 

Weak minds are ruffled by triffiing things. 

The cabbage-tree is very common in the Caribbep/ 
ilands, where it grows to a piodigious hcightlj 

Visit tl^e sick, feed the hungry, cloj|tli^he naked. 

His smiles and tears are too artifi;|tiai to be re- 
lied on. 

The most essensial virtues of a christian, arc T 
to God and benevolence to man. 

Wc should be cheerful without levity. 



Promiscuous.) okthograpjiv. 45 

A cajiend^r signifies a register of the year ; and a 
oalcndjr, a press in which clothiers smooth their 
cloth. 

Integrity and hope are the sure paliatives of sor>- 
row. 

Camomile is an odo^riferous plant, and possesses 
considerable medicii\ilj virtues. 

The gaity of youth should be tempered by the 
precepts of age. 

Certainty, even on distresful occasions, is som-. 
times more eligible than suspense. 

Still green with bays each antient alt;'r stands. 
Above the reach of sacriKgious hands. 

The most acceptable sacrifi<ie, is that of a contrite, 
and humble heart. » 

We are accountable for whatever we patronise in 
ethers. 

It marks a savage disposition to tortur animals, 
to make them smart and agonise, for our diversion. 

The edge of cloath, where it is closed by compli- 
cating the threads, is called the seiv dge. 

Soy: hong tea and Turky coffee were his favorite 
beverl^ge; chocolale he seldom drank. 

The guilty mind cannot avoid many melanchol -y 
apprehensions. 

If we injure others, we must expect retalliation. 

Let every man be fully perswaded in his own 
mind. 

Peace and honor are the shelves of virtue's har- 
vest. 

The black earth, every where obvious on thesur-. 
face of the ground, we call mold. 

The Roman pontiff claims to be the supream 
head of the church on eartli. 

High-seasoned food viciates the pallate, and oc^ 
casions a disrelish for plain fare. 

The conscious receivor is as bad ^ the thief. 



ij6 EXERCISES. (Promiscudu;. 

Alexander, the conqueror of the world, was, in 
fact, a robber and a murderer. 

The Divine Being is not only the Greater, but the 
Ruler and Preservor of tlie world. 

Honest endeavors, if persevered in, will finally be 
successful. 

He who dies for religion, is a martyr : he who 
suffers for it, is a confessoiir. 

In the paroxism of passion, we sometimes give 
occasion for a life of repentence. 

I'he mist which envelopes many studies, is dissi- 
pated wljen we approach them. 

The voice is sometimes obstructed by a hoarsness, 
or by viscuous phlegm- 

The desart shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose* 

The fruit and sweatmeats set on table after the 
meat, are called the desert. 

We traversed the flowry fields, till the falling dews 
admonished us to return. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 15. 

There is frequently a worm at the root of our 
most florishing condition. 

The stalk of ivey is tough, and not fragil. 

The roof is vaulted, and distills fresh water from 
every part of it. 

Our imperfections are discernible by others, 
when we think they are concealed. 

They think they shall be heard for there much 
speaking. 

True criticizm is not a captious, but a liberal art. 

Integrity is our best defense against the evils of 
life. 

No circumstance can licence evil or dispence 
with the rules of virtue. 

We may be cypher's in the world's estimation, 
whilst we are advancing our own and other's value. 



Promiscuuun.) orthography.' 4?' 

The path of vertiie is the path of peace. 

A dfpthong is the coilitiori of two vowels to form 
one soaiul. 

However forceable our temptations, they may be 
resisted. 

I acknowle^e my transgression^ and my sin is 
ever before jne. 

The coik'c.i.^e of cardinals are the electers of the 
pope 

He had no colorable excuse to palliate his conduct. 

Thy humourous vein, thy pleasing- folly. 
Lie all neglected, all forgot. 

If we are so conceited as obstinatly to reject all 
advice, we must expect a direliction of friends. 

Cronology is the science of computeing and ajust- 
ing the periods of time. 

In groves we live, and lay on moss}' beds, 

By chrystal streams, that murmer thro' the meads. 

It is a secret cowardise which induces us to com- 
plement tiic vices of our superiors, to applaud the 
libertin, and laugh with the prophane. 

The lark each morning waked me with her sprite^ 
ly lay. 

1 here are im fewer than thirtv-two species of the 
lilly. 

We owe it to oui- visitors as well as to oirselves. 
to entertain them with useful and sensable conver- 
sation, 

Sponsers are those who become sureties for the 
children's education ip. the christian faith. 

Tiie warrier's fame is often purchased by the 
blood of tiiousands. 

Hope exhilerates tlie mind, and is the grand elix- 
tr, under all the evils of li e. 

The incence of gratitude, whilst it expresses our 
duty, and honours our benefacter, perfumes and re- 
gails ourselves. 



PART IIL 

F.XEUCrSES IN SYNTAX. 



CHAP. I. 

Gontaining instances of false Syntax, disposed under 
the particular rules. 



A verb must agree with its novwtative casCf in 
number and person : as, " / learn ;" " Thou art rTH- 
prored;*' *' The birds sing.'' 

Grammar, p. 126. Key, p. 1. 

Disappointments sinks the heart of man; but 
the renew al of hope give consolation. 

The smiles that encourage severity of judgment 
hides malice and insincerity. 

He dare not act contrary to his instructions. 

Fifty pounds of wheat contains forty pounds of' 
flour. 

The mechanism of clocks and watches, viere to- 
tally unknown a few centuries ago. 

The number of inhabitants of Great Britain and 
Ireland do not exceed sixteen millions. 

Nothing but vain and foolish pursuits delight 
some persons. 

A variety of pleasing objects charm the eye. 

So much both of ability and merit are seldom 
f6und« 



Rule I.} SYNTAX. 49 

111 the conduct of Parmenio a mixture of wisdom 
and folly were very conspicuous. 

He is an author of more credit than Plutarch, 
or any other that write lives too hastily. 

The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative* 

Great pains has been taken to reconcile the par- 
ties. 

I am soiry to say it, but there was more equivo- 
cators than one. 

The sincere is always esteemed. 

Has the goods been sold to advantage ? and did 
thou embrace the proper season ? 

There is many occasions in life, in which silence 
and simplicity is true wisdom. 

The generous never recounts minutely the action^ 
they have done ; nor the prudent, those they will do. 

He need not proceed in such haste. 

The business that related to ecclesiastical meet- 
ings, matters, and persons, were to be ordered ac- 
cording to the king's direction. 

In him were happily blended true dignity with 
softness of manners. 

The support of so many of his relations, were a 
heavy tax upon his industry : but thou knows he 
paid it cheerfully. 

What avails tlie best sentiments, if persons do not 
live suitably to them ? 

Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as mo- 
derate as was consistent with a permanent union. 

Not one of Mie»n whom thou sees clothed in pur- 
ple, are completely happy. 

And the fame of this person, and of his wonderful 
actions, were diffused throughout the country. 

The variety of the productions of genius, like that 
of the operations of nature, are without limit* 

!n vain our flocks and fields increase our store, 
When the abundance makes us wish for nwo- 

F 



50 EXERCISES. {Rule !». 

Thou should love thy neighbour as sincerely as 
fhou loves thyself. 

Has thou no better reason for censuring thy friend 
and companion ? 

Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, 
can doubtless restore it also : but whether thou 
will please to restore it, or not, that Thou only knows. 

O Thou my voice inspire, 

Who toucl'.'d Isaiah's hallow'd lips with fire. 

Accept these grateful tears ; for thee they flow ; 

For thee that ever felt another's wo. 

Just to thy word, in every thought sincere ; 

Who knew no wish but what the world might hear. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes a/a& 
observations under rule li 

Grammar, p. 126. Key, p. 20. 

I.* To do unto all men. as we would that they, 
in similar circumstances should do unto us, consti- 
tute the great principle of virtue. 

From- a fear of the world's censure, to be ashamed 
of the practice of precepts, which the heart approves 
and embraces, marii a feeble and imperfect character. 

The erroneous opinions which we form concern- 
ing happiness and misery, gives rise to all the mis- 
taken and dangerous passions that embroils our life. 

To live soberly, righteously, and piously, are re- 
quired of all men. 

That it is our duty to promote the purity of our 
minds and bodies, to be just and kind to our fellow- 
creatures, and to be pious and faithful to Him that 
made us, admit' not of any doubt in a rational and 
well-informed mind. 

To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise be- 
nevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towai-ds 

» •The examples under each rule are regularly uumbered, lu .! ?: 
them correspond CO flte respetlWc sUbordlnace ftlltes in the Qraim^ 



iiule 1.) sarNTAX. ^ 5.i 

God, is the sure means of becoming peaceful aii4 

*IUs an important truth, that religion, vital reli- 
gion, the religion of the heart, are the most -iower- 
ful auxiliaries of reason, in waging war with the 
passions, and promoting that sweet composure^ 
which constitute^ the peace of God. 

The possession of our senses entire, of our hmba 
uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and 
companions, are often overlooked ; though it would 
be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can 
iudge, deserves it as much as ourselves. 

All that make a figure on the great theatre of the 
world, the employments of the busy, the enterprises 
of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike ; 
the virtues which forms the happiness, and the crime«i 
which occasions the misery of mankind ; originates 
in that silent and secret recess of thought, which are 
hidden from every human eye, 

2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubted 
right, and he has long enjoyed, should now be wrested 
from him, would be flagrant injustice. 

These curiosities we have imported from China, 
and are similar to those which were sometime ago 
brought from Africa. 

Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind. 
And never, never be to Heav*n resign'd ? 

3. Two substantives, when they come together, 
and do not signify the same thing, the former must 
be in the genitive case. 

Virtue, howevei> it may be neglected for a time,, 
men are so constituted as ultimately to ackiiow ledge 
and I'espect genuine merit. 

■ 4. The crown of virtue is peace and honour. 

His cliief occupation and enjoyment were contro- 
ls rej-HV. 



■'^'^ EXEBCISES, [Rule '2. 

^- ~- Him destroyed, 

Or won to what may work his utter loss, 
All this will soon follow. 

r~~' Whose gray top 

ohall tremble, him descending. 

RULB II. 

uZT* ''^^''''f '^"*' *''• ^^ ^^^ singular number, 
rr^^^, f^^"" 'jn>nlative cor^junction, eccpressed 

alZf'''""Lr'^ ^^''^ '"''^'^ ^«^'^^^' ^'^d pronouns, 
agreeing with them in the plural number : as, *' Socrates 

ZJ "f"^' "^'"'^ ^^'y ^^^^ ^^' ^nost eminent pkl- 
heads, the food that we receive, the rest that we enjoy, 
pTwer^f^ ""' '^ "" '^^'"^'^ ^^^ ^ '^Verintendi^g 

Grammar, p 130. Key, p. 22. 
WIeness and ignorance is the parent of many vices. 
golIS'd^oS^^^ ''''""'' '"'"^ "^'^ ^'^ 
soc^r'*^ consists the welfare and security of every 
Time and tide waits for no man. 

„«f 'pT^.^^^T^ ^"'^ ^^'^^ disposition was, on fail- 
lire of their effect, entirely chan.^ed. 

tains!'^"''^ ^""^ diligence, like faith, removes moun- 

eel? nridi^L^d''^ knowledge, with poor apparel, ex- 
eels pride and ignorance under costly' attire. 

imm^n ^ "^^^''^1^'^^'"' boundless space, and the 
Xiir ^^"^^ ^^^ '"^"^ with ^sensations of 
vnl^o""''p*^ *"^ '^'^' whatever obscurities may in- 
religion ^^^'"' ''"'''' constitutes the essence of^ti^e 
Religion and virtue,4>ur best support and highest- 



imafccr 



fiule 2. J SYNTAX. 5. a 

What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors, 
when youth think they have no need of assistance ? 

The examples which follow are stilted to the notes and 
observations under kuie ii. 

Grammar, p. 130. Key, p. 22, 

1. Much does human pride and self-complacency 
tequire correction. 

Luxurious living^, and high pleasures, begets a 
languor and satiety that distroys all enjoyment. 

Pride and self-sufficiency stifles sentiments of de- 
pendence on our Creator : levity and attachment to 
worldly j)leasures, destroys the sense of gratitude 
to him. 

2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, 
produce great profits. 

The following treatise, together with those that 
accompany it, were written many years ago, for my 
own private satisfaction. 

That great senator, in concert with several other 
eminent persons, were the projectors of the revo- 
lution. 

The religion of these i)Cople, as well as their cus- 
tQms and manners, were strangely misrepresented. 

Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confer 
great influence and respectability. But knowledge 
with wealth united, if virtue is wanting, have a very 
limited influence, and are often despised. 

That superficial scholar and critic, like some re- 
nowned critics of our own, have furnished most de- 
cisive proofs, that they knew not the characters of 
the Hebrew language. 

The buildings of the institution have been enlarg- 
ed : the expense of which, added to the increased 
price of provisions, render it necessary to advance 
> the terms of admisson. 

One, added to nineteen make twenty, 
* What black despair, what horror^ fills his mind ! 
F 2 



^4 jjiXERCisjiii. ( kale 3. 

3. Thou, and the gardener, and th*^ huntsman, 
must share the blameof this business amongst them. 

My sister and I, as well as my brother, are daily 
employed in their respective occupations. 

RULE III. 

The conjunction disjiincHvc has an effect contrary to 
that of Ihe conjnncti >n copulative r for a:-; I he verb, noun, 
or pronoun, is referred to the preceding terms taken 
separately, it must be in the singular number; as, 
^* Ignorance or negligence has caused this mistake?'^ 
*'John, James, or Joseph, intends to accompany m«;" 
" There is in many minds, neither knowledge nor un- 
derstanding,^^ 

Grammar, p. 133. Key, p. 23. 

Man's happiness, or misery, are in a great mea- 
sure, put into his own hands. 

Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, 
which move merely as thej are moved. 

Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any 
condition of life : for tliey are, perhaps to he your 
own lot. 

Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing 
that betrays inattention or ill-humour are certainly 
criminal. 

There are many faults in spelling, which neither 
analogy nor pronunciation justify. 

When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune 
affect us, the sincerity of friendsliip is proved. 

Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering 
or the hearing of certain w©rds, that constitute the 
worship of the Almighty. 

A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious 
and contradictious spirit, are capable of imbittering 
domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and . 
observations under rule hi. ,, ,,, 

Grammar, p. 133. Key, p. 24. 



Hule 4. J' §.YNTAX. -55 

1. Either thou or I art greatly mistaken, in our 
juda^ment on this subject. 

I or thou am the i>erson who must undertake the 
business proposed. 

2. Both of the scholars, or one of them at least, 
was present at the transaction. 

Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered ; 
but neither the sailors nor the captain, was saved. 

Whether one person or more was concerned in 
the business, does not yet appear. 

Tlje cares of this life, or the deceitful ness of rich- 
es, has choked the seeds of virtue in many a pro- 
mising mind. 

RULE IV. 

A noun of multitudet or dgnifying many^ may have 
a verb or pronoun agreeing with it, either of the shi" 
gular or plural number ; yet not without regard to the 
imj)ort of the word, as conveying unity or plurality of 
idea: as ** The meeting was large;" ** The parlia- 
ment is dissolved;" <* The nation is powerful;" *'My 
people do not consider : tJtey have not known me ;" 
** The multitude eagerly pursue pleasure as their chief 
good ;" •* The council were divided in their sentiments,'^ 

Grammar, p. 134. Key, p. 24, 

The people rejoices in that which should give it 
sorrow. 

The flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, 
the objects of the shepherd's care. 

The court have just ended, after having sat 
through the trial of a very long cause. 

The crowd were so great, that the judges with 
difficulty made their way through tliem. 

The corporation of York consist of a mayor, al- 
dermen, and a common council. 

The British parliament are composed of a king, 
lords, and common^. 



56 EXERCISES. ( Fufe 5-. 

When the nation complain^ tlie rulers sliould lis- 
ten t> tlieir voice. 

In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pur- 
sues pleasure as its chief good. 

The church have no power to inflict corporal pu. 
nishment. 

The fleet were seen sailing up the channel. 

The regiment consist of a thousand men. 

The meeting have established several salutary re- 
gttktions. 

The council was not unanimous, and it separated 
W'^hou' coming to any determination. 

i'hx- fleet is all arrived and moored in safety. 

This people draweth near to me with their mouth, 
? :*d honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is 
iai- from me. 

The committee was divided in its sentiments, and 
it has referred the business to the general meetings 

The committee were very full when this point 
was decided : and their judgment has not been call- 
ed in question^ 

Why do this generation wish for greater evidence, 
when so much is already given ? 

The remnant of the people were persecuted with 
gre?it severity. 

Never w ere any people so much infatuated as the 
Jewish nation. 

The shoal of herrings were of an immense extent. 
No society are chargeable with the disapproved, 
misconduct of particular members. 



Pronouns must always a^ree ivith their antecedents^ 
and -he. nouns for which they stand, in gender and 
number : as, ' 'Piis is the friend whom I love ;" " 2'his 
is the vice which / hate :^* <' The king and the queen ~ 
had put on their robes ;** " The moon appears and sha t^ 
shines, but the li":ht is not her cir/i." 



Rule 5. J bYfJTAX. 5.7 

The relative is of the same person as the anteoedent, 
and the verb agrees with it accordiiigly ; as, * Thou 
who luvest wisdom ;" *' I who speak from experience,*^ 

Grammar, p. 135. Key, p. 26. 

The exercise of reason appears as little in these 
sportsmen, as in the beasts whom they sometimes 
hunt, and by whom they are sometimes hunted. 
They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. 
The male amongst birds seems to discover n# 
beauty, but in the colour of its species. 

Take bandfuls of ashes of the furnance, and let 
Moses sprinkle it towards heaven, in the sii^ht of 
Pharaoh ; and it shall become small dust. 

Rebecca took goodly raiment, which were with 
her in her house, and put them upon Jacob. 

The wheel killed another man, which is the sixth 
which have lost their lives, by this means. 

The fair sex, whose task is not to mingle Ih the la- 
bours of public life, has its own part assigned it to act. 
The Hercules man of war foundered at seaj she 
overset, and lost most of her men. 

The mind of man cannot be long without some 
food to nourish the activity of his thoughts. 

What is the reason that our language is less refincdi 
than those of Italy, Spain, or France ? 

I do not think any one should incur censure fop 
being tender of their reputation. 

Thou who has been a witness of the fact, can give 
an account of it. 

In religious concerns, or what is conceived to be 
such, every man must stand or fall by the decision 
of the Great Judge. 

Something like what have been here premised 
are^tlie conjectures of Dryden. 

Thou great First Cause least understood ! 
Who all my sense confin'd 
'' Tg know but this, that thou art goods 



55 EXERCISES^ if /^w/f 5^ 

And that myself am blind ; 
Vet gave me in this dark estate, &c. 

Who art thou, speak, that, on desigTis unknown. 
Whilst others sleep, thus range the camp alone. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under bule v. 

Grammar, p. 135. Key, p* 27, 

1. Whoever entertains such an opinion, he judges 
erroneously. 

The cares of this world they often choke the 
growth of virtue. 

Disappointments and aflSictions, however disa-. 
greeable, they often improve us. 

2. Moses was the meekest man whom we read of 
in the Old Testament. 

Humility is one of the most amiable virtues which 
we can possess. 

They are the same persons who assisted us yes^ 
terday. 

Tlie men and things which he has studied have 
not improved his morals. 

4. Howsoever beautiful they appear, they have 
no real merit. 

In whatsoever light we view him, his conduct 
will bear inspection. 

On whiclisoever side they are contemplated, they 
appear to advantage. 

However much he might despise the maxims of 
the king's administration, he kept a total silence on 
that subjp^^t, 

4. Which of them two persons has most distin- 
guisJjed himself? 

None more impatiently suffer injuries, than those 
that are most forward itjdoing thorn. ir'^*/^ ~ 

5. He would not be persuaded but what I ^ ^^^ 
greatly in fault. '^ 



iVuJe 5.) syNTAX. 5^ 

These commendations of his children, appear to 
have been made in somewhat an injudicious manner. 

6. He instructed and fed the crowds who sur- 
rounded him. 

Sidney was one of the wisest and most active go^ 
vernors, which Ireland had enjoyed for several 
years. 

He was the ablest minister which James ever 
possessed. 

The court, who j^ives currency to manners, ought 
to be exemplary. 

I am happy in ^le friend which I have long proved. 

7. Tlie child whom we have just seen, is whole- 
somely fed» and not injured by bandages or clothing. 

He is like a beast of prey, who destroys without 
pity. 

8. Having once disgusted him, he could never re- 
gain the favour of ^iero, who was indeed another 
name for cruelty. 

Flattery, whose nature is to deceive and betray, 
should be avoided as the poisonous adder. 
Who of these men came to his assistance ? 

9. The king dismissed liis minister without any 
inquiry ; who had never before committed so unjust 
an action. 

There are millions of people in the empire of 
China, whose support is derived almost entirely 
from rice. 

10. It is remarkable his continual endeavours to 
serve us, notwithstanding our ingratitude. 

It is indisputably true his assertion, though it is 
a paradox. 

II Ah ! unhappy thee, who art deaf to the calls 
of duty and of honour. 

Oh ! happy we, surrounded with so many bless- 
ings. 



60 EXERCISES. (Rule 6. 



The relative is the nominaii-ce case to the verb^ 
when no nominative case comes between it and the 
^erb : as 9 " The master who taught us ;" " The trees 
which are planted,^^ 

When a nominative comes between the relative 
and the verb, the relative is governed by some word 
in its own member of the sentence : as, ** He who 
preserves me, to whom I owe my being, whose I am, 
and whom J serve, is eternaV^ 

Grammar, p. 139. Key, p. 26. 

We are dependent on each other's assistance; 
whom is there that can subsist by himself? 

If he will not hear his best friend, whom shall be 
sent to admonish him ? 

They, who much is given to, will have much to 
answer for. 

It is not to be expected that they, whom in early 
life, have been dark and deceitful, should afterwards 
become fair and ingenuous. 

They who have laboured to make us wise and 
good, are the persons who we ought to love and res- 
pect, and who we ought to be grateful to. 

The persons, who conscience and virtue support, 
may smile at the caprices of fortune. 

FroTTi the character of those who you associate 
with, your own will be estimated. 

That is the student who I gave the book to, and 
whom, I am persuaded, deserves it. 

1. Of whom were the articles bought ? Of a mer- 
cer 5 he who resides near the mansion house. 

Was any person besides the mercer present? Yes-, 
both him and his clerk. 

Who was the money paid to? To the mercer and 
his clerk. 
Who counted it ? Both the ckrk and him. 



Uulel^^.J SYNTAX. 61 

RULE VII. 

When the relative is preceded by two nominatives 
of different persons, the relative and verb may agree 
in person with either, according to the sense; as, "J 
am the man who cow.mand you;^' or, ^* lam the man 
who commands you.'' 

Grammar, p. 141 Key, p. 30. 

I acknowledge that I am the teacher, who adopt 
that sentiment, and maintains the propriety of such 
measures. 

Thou art a friend that hast often relieved me, 
and that has not deserted me nov>^ in the time of 
peculiar need. 

I am tlie man who approves of wholesome disci- 
pline, and wlio recommend it to others; but I am 
not a person who promotes useless severity, or who 
object to mild and generous treatment. 

I perceive that thou art a pupil, who possesses 
bright parts, but who has cultivated them butlittlci 

Thou art he wlio breathest on the earth with the 
breath of spring, and who covereth it with verdure 
and beauty. 

I am the Lord thy God, who teacheth thee to pro- 
fit, and who lead thee by the way thou shouldst go. 

Thou art the Lord who did choose Abraham, and 
broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees. 

RULE VIII. 

Every adjective^ and every adjective pronoun, be* 
longs to a substantive expressed or understood : as, 
" He is a good, as well as a w ise man ;" " Few are 
happy;'* that is, ^* persons;'' "This is a pleasant 
walk;" that IS, "this walk is," ^c. 

Mjective pronouns mtist agree, in number, with 
their substantives ; as, " This book, these books ; tlhat 
sort, those sorts ; another road, other roads." 
Grammar, p. 141. Key, p. 30. 

Tliese kind ©f indulgences soften aad injure the 
luind. 



62 EXERCISES. (Rule -.. 

Instead of improving yourselves, you have been 
playipg these two hours. 

Those sort of favours did real injury, under the 
appearance of ki!»dness. 

The chasm made by the earthquake was twenty 
foot broad, and one hundred lathom in depth. 

How many a sorrow sliouid \\e avoid, if we were 
not industrious to make them ! 

He saw one or more persons enter the garden. 

Tht examples which follow are suited to the notes and 
observations under kui.k viii. 

Grammar, p. 142. Key, p. 31. 

I. ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS.* 

1. Charles was extravagant, and by this mean 
became poor and despicable. 

It was by tiiat ungenerous meaii that he obtained 
his end. 

Indus-try is the mean of obtaitiing comiietericy. 

Though a promising measure, it is a mean which 
I cannot adopt. 

This person <»jnbraced every opportunity to dis- 
play his talents ; and by these meanfi rendered him- 
self rediculous. 

Joseph was industrious, frugal, and discreet ; and 
by this means obtained property a«d reputation. 

Q, Religion raises men above themselves; irreli- 
gioH sinks them beneath the brutes^ that, binds tliem 
down to a poor pitiable speck of perishable earth ; 
this opens for them a prospect to the skies. 

More rain falls in the first two summer months* 
than in the first two winter ones ; but it makes a 
nwich greater show upon the earth in those than iti 
these; because there is a much slower evaporation. 

•See the Grammar, Rule viii. of Syntax. 



Rule 8.;? SYNTAX. 63 

Rex and Tyrannus are of very different charac- 
ters. The one rules his people by laws to which 
they conscTit; the other by his absolute will and 
power : t!iis is called freedom, that, tyranny. 

3. Each of them, in their turn, receive the bene- 
fits to which they are entitle). 

My co!insel to each of yon is, that you should 
make it your endeavour to come to a friendly agree- 
ment. 

By disciissini^ what relates to each })articular, in 
tlieir order we shall better understand the subject. 

Every pei'son, whatever be their station* are bound 
by the duties of morality and religion 

Every leaf, every twig, every drop of water, teem 
with life. 

Every man's heart and temper is productive of 
much inward joy or bitterness. 

Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his 
folly disgust us. 

Every man and every woman were numbered. 

Neither of those men se.em to have any idea that 
their opinions may be ill-founded. 

When benignity and gentleness reign within, we 
are always least in hazard from without : every per- 
son, and every occurrence, are beheld in the most 
favourable light. 

On either side of the river was there the tree of 
life. 

II. ADJECTIVES. 

4. She reads proper, writes very neat, and com- 
poses accurate. 

He was extreme prodigal, and his property is now 
near exhausted. 

They generally succeeded; for they lived confor- 
mable to the rules of prudence. 

Wc may reason very clear, and exceeding strong, 



64 EXERcifsEs^ (Rule 8, 

without knowing that there is such a thing as a syl- 
logism. 

He had many virtues, and was exceeding beloved. 

The amputation was exceeding well performed, 
and saved the patient's life. 

He came agreeable to his promise, and conducted 
himself suitable to the occasion. 

He speaks very fluent, reads excellent, but does 
not think very coherent. 

He behaved himself submissive, and was exceed- 
ing careful not to give offence. 

They rejected the advice, and conducted them- 
selves exceedingly indiscreetly. 

He is a person of great abilities, and exceeding 
upright : and is like to be a very useful member of 
the community. 

The conspiracy was the easier discovered, from 
its being known to many. 

Not being fully acquainted with the subject, he 
could affirm no stronger tiian he did. 

He was so deeply impressed with tbe subject, 
that few could speak nobler upon it. 

We may credit his testimony, for be says express, 
that he saw the transaction. 

Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine 
often infirmities. 

From these favourable beginnings, we may hope 
for a soon and prosperous issue. 

He addressed several exhortations to them suit- 
ably to their circumstances. 

Conformably to their vehemence of thought, was 
their vehemence of gesture. 

We should implant in the minds of youth, such 
seeds and principles of piety and virtue, as are like-* 
ly to take soonest and deepest root. 

Such an amiable disposition will secure universal 
regard. 

Such distinguishes! virtues seldom occur. 



Rule 8.J SYNTAX. 65 

5. 'Tis more easier to build two chimneys thaij 
to maintain one. 

The tongue is like a race liorse, which runs the 
faster the lesser weight it carries. 

I'he pleasures of the understanding are more pre- 
ferable than those of the imagination, or of sense. 

The nightingale sings : hers is the most sweetest 
Toice in the grove. 

The Most Highest hatli created us for his glory, 
and for our own happiness. 

The Supreme Being is the most wisest, and most 
powerfulest, and the most best of beings. 

6. Virtue confers the supremest dignity on man ; 
and sliould be his chiefest di sire. 

His assertion was more true than that of bis op- 
p«)nent5- nay tiie words of the latter were most un- 
true. 

His work is perfect ; his brother's more perfect : 
and his father's the most perfect of p.\\^ 

He gave the fullest and tiie most aUieere proof of 
the truest friendship. 

T. A talent of this kind would, perhaps, prove the 
likeliest of any other to succeed. 

He is the strongest of the two, but not the wisest. 

He spoke with so much propriety, that I under- 
stood him the best uf all the others, who spoke on 
the subject 

Eve was the fairest of all her daughters. 

8. He spoke in a distinct enough manner to be 
heard by the whole assembly. 

Thomas is equipped with a new pair of shoes, and 
a new pair of gloves: he is the servant of an old 
rich man. 

The two first in the row are cherry-trees, the fwo 
others are pear trees. 
G2 



66 EX T-r» < s > K ^' [R u le 9» 

BVLE IX. 

The article a or an agrees with nmnis in the singn- 
tar vumher only, individually or coUcctiveiy : aSy "fl 
Christian, an infidel, a score., a thonsand*'^ 

The definite article the may agree with mouns in 
the singular or 'plural number : as, ** The gardens, 
the houses, the stars,*' 

The articles are of ten properly omitted; when used, 
they should be justly applied, according to their distinct 
stature : as, " Gold is corrupting ; The sea is green : 
A lion is bold.'* 

Grammar, p. 151. Key, p. 55, 

The fire, the air, the earth, and the water, are 
four elements of the philosophers. 

Reason was given to a man to control his passions. 

We have within us an intelligent principle, dis- 
tinct from body and from matter. 

A man is the noblest work of creation. 

Wisest and best men sometimes commit errors. 

Beware of drunkenness ; it impairs understand- 
ing ; wastes an estate ; destroys a reputation ; con- 
sumes the body ; and renders the man of the bright- 
est parts the common jest of the meanest clown. 

He is a much better writer than a reader. 

The king has conferred on him the title of aduke. 

There are some evils of life, which equally affect 
prince and people. 

We must act our part with a constancy, though 
reward of our constancy be distant. 

We are placed here under a trial of our virtue. 

The virtues like his are not easily acquired.— 
Such qualities honour the nature of man. 

Purity has its seat in the heart ; but extends its 
influence over so much of outward conduct, as to 
form the great and material part of a character. 

The profligate man is seldom or never found to 
be the good husband, the good father, or the bene- 
ficent neighbour- 



/•^' V- t:i,; SYNTAX. 67' 

True cliai'it^ is not the meteor, which occasionally 
^]iires; but the luminary, which, in its orderly and 
I'egular course, dispenses benignant influence. 

Tko following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under iiule. ix. 

Grammar, p. 151, 152. Key p 35. 

>. He has been much censured for conducting 
himself with a little attention to his business. 

So bold a bread) of order, called for little severi- 
ty ui punishini^ tho offender. 

His error was accompanied with so little contri- 
tion and candid acknowledgment, that he found a 
few persons to intercede for him. 

There weie so many mitigating circumstances 
attending his nusconduct, pai'ticularly that of his 
of)en confession, that he found few friends who were 
disposed to interest themselves in his favour. 

As his misfortunes were the fruit of his own obsti- 
nacy, a few persons pitied him. 

2. Tlie fear of shame, and desire of approbation, 
preverjt many bad actions. 

In this business he was influenced by a just and 
generous principle. 

He was fired with a desire of doing something, 
though he knew not yet, with distinctness, either 
end or means. 

3. At worst, I could but incur a gentle reprimand. 
At best, his gift was but a poor offering, when we 

consider his estate. 



One substantive governs another, signifying a dif- 
ferent thing, in the possessive or genitive case: as, 
'* My father's house;'' ^^ Man's happiness;'^ ^^ Vir" 
tnc's reward." 

Grammar, p. 153. Key, p. 36. 



68 EXERCISES. (Rule 10 

My ancestoi'« virtue is not mine. 

His broliiers oikMice will not coixlemn him. 

I will not destroy the city for ten sake. 

Ncvcrtlicless, Asa iiis liciirt was perfect with the 
Lord. 

A mothers tenderness and a fatliers care arc na- 
tures iri ft s' i'oi' ncui^. a<iv ;;n!rt ;:,(•, 

A liiru.s n.LitiiKjr's IVii^iiunily ' hi! iiciicc his fortune. 

y^^isdonis precepts' form the good mans interest 
and Ijappiness. 

Tiiey slew Varus, he that was mentioned hefore. 
They slew Yarns, who was him that 1 mentioned 
bef«re. 

'I'he following examples arc atUtpfed to Ike notes and 
obse.'^'vations under rule x. 
Grainmar, p. 154. Key, p. 37.^ 

1. It was the men's, women's, and children's lot 
to suffer ,^reat calamities. 

Peter's, John's, and Andrew's occupation, was 
that of fishernien. 

This measure (gained the king, as well as the peo- 
ple's approhation. 

Not oiily the counsel's, and attorney's, but the 
Judge's opinion also, favoured his cause. 

2. And he cast himself down at Jesus feet. 
Moses rod was turned into a serpent. 

For Herodias sake, his brother Philips wife. 
If ye suffer for ri.(;hteousness's sake, happy arc ye. 
Ye should be subject for conscience's sake. 

3. They very justly condemned the prodigal's, as 
he was called, senseless and extravagant conduct. 

They implicitly obeyed the protector's, as they 
eallod him, imperious mandates. 

4. I bought the knives at Johnson's the cutler's. 
The silk was purchased at Brown's, the mercer' 

and haberdasher's. 



Rule \0,) SYNTAX. 6-} 

Lord Feversham the general's tent. 

This palace had been the grand sultan's Malio- 
met's. 

I will not for David's thy father's sake. 

He took refuge at the governor the king's repre- 
sentative's. 

Whose works are these ? They are Cicero, the 
most eloquent of men's. 

5. The world's government is not left to chance. 
She married my son's wife's brotlier. 

This is my wife's brother's partner's house. 

It was necessary to have both the physician's and 
the surgeon's advice. 

The extent of the prerogative of the king of Eng- 
land, is sufficiently ascertained. 

6. This picture of the king's does not much re- 
semble him. 

These pictures of the king were sent to him from 
Italy. 

This estate of the corporation's is much encum- 
bered. 

That is the eldest son of the king of England's. 

7. What can be the cause of the parliament neg- 
lecting so important a business ? 

Much depends on this rule being observed. 

The time of William making the experiment, at 
length arrived. 

It is very probable that this assembly was called, 
to clear some doubt which the ting had, about the 
lawfulness of the Hollanders their throwing off the 
monarchy of Spain, and their withdrawing entirely 
their allegiance to that crown. 

^ If we alter the situation of any of the words, we 
shall presently be sensible of the melody suftering. 

Sue!) will ever be the effect of youth associating 
viUi \iciouH companions. 



70 EXERCiHEh. (Rule I 



Jidive verbs govern the ohjecfire case : ffs, *^ Truth 
ennobles her ;" •» She camforts me ,•*' •* -^'heij s^ipport 
us;'' ** Virtue rcivanls her foUoxvera,-^ 

Grammar, p. 159. Key, p. :1S. 

They who opulcjice has made proud, a.'sd who 
luxury has corrupted, cannot reiisii the simple plea- 
sures of nature. 

You have reason to dread his wrath, which one 
day will destroy ye h >th. 

Who have I reason to love so much as this friend 
ef my youth. 

Ye, who were dead, hath he quickened. 

Who did they entertain so freely? 

The man who he raised from ohscurity, is dead. 

Ye only have I known of all the families of the 
earth. 

He and they we know, but who are you ? 

She that is idle and mischievous, reprove sharply. 

Who did they send to him on so important an 
errand. 

That is the friend who you must receive cordially, 
and who you cannot esteem too highly. 

He invited my brother and I to see and examine 
his library. 

He who committed the offence, you should cor- 
rect, not I who am innocent. 

We should fear and obey the author of our being, 
even He who has power to reward or punish us for 
ever. 

They who he had most injured, he bad t'jt* 
greatest reason to love. 

The examples which follow ^ are suited to the notes an-' 
observations under rule xi. 

Grammar, p. 160. Key, p. 39. 

I. Though he now takes pleasure in them, lie 



Rule \ \.) SYNTAX. 7\ 

will one day rcjicut liim of indulgences so unwar- 
rantable. 

The nearer liis viitues approached hiiu to the 
great example before hiin, the humbJer lie grew, 

Jt will be very difticiilt to agree his conduct with 
the principle he professes. 

2. To ingratiate with some by traducing others, 
marks a base and despicable mind. 

I shall premise with two or three general obser- 
vations. 

3. If such maxims, and such practices prevail, 
what has become of decency and virtue ? 

I have come according to the time proposed; but 
i have fallen upon an evil hour. 

The mighty rivals are now at length agreed. 

The influence of his corrupt example was then 
entirely ceased. 

He was entered into the co^nnection, before t4ie 
consequences w^re considered. 

4*. Well may you be afraid; it is him indeed. 

1 would act the same part if 1 were him, or in his 
situation. 

Search the scriptures ; for in them ye think ye 
have eternal lite; and they are them which testify 
of nic. 

Be composed ; it is me; you have no cause for fear. 

I cannot tcM w.'to has befiiended me, unless it is 
him from whom \ recei>'€ many benefits. 

i know ncit whether it were them who conducted 
the business; but I am certain it was not him. 

• When the verb to be is imderstoadf it has the same case bej 
fore and after it, as when it is expi €S{r/^iI : as, "He seems the 
leader of the party ;" "He shall continue stewaid ;" "They 
appointed me executor;" " 1 supposed him to be a man of 
learnin^j ;" thai is, " He seems to be the leader of the party,** 
&c.-^Nouns in Apposition are in the same case : as, " We nam 
ed the man Pomj>ey ;" "They may term Ciiarles a visionary, 
bur. they cannot cal! him a deceiver ;** " Hortensius died a mar- 
tyr.'* " The gentle Sidney lived the shepherd's friend." 



72 EXERCISES. (Rule \2. 

He so much resembled my brother, that, at first 
sight, I took it to be he. 

After all their professions, is it possible to be thorn ? 

It could not have been her, tor she always beha\ is 
discreetly. 

If it was not him, who do you imagine it to have 
been ? 

Who do you think him to be? 

Whom do people say that we are ? 

5. Whatever otJiers do, let thou and I act wisely. 

Let them and we unite to oppose this growing 
evil. 

EULE XII. 

One verb gorcerns another that follows it, or depends 
upon itf in the injinitive mood: as, ** Cease to do evil : 
learn to do well;^' " We should be prepared to render 
an account of our actions,'^ 

The preposition to, though generally used before the 
latter verb, is sometimes properly omitted: as, "/ 
heard him say it;*' instead of *' to say it.^' 

Grammar, p. 161. Key, p. 40. 

It is better live on a little, than outlive a great deal. 

You ought not to walk too hastily. 

1 wish him not wrestle with his happiness. 

I need not to solicit him to do a kind action. 

I dare not to proceed so hastily lest I should give 
offence. 

I have seen some young persons to conduct them- 
selves very discreetly. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under rule xii. 

Grammar, p. 162, Key, p. 40. 

1. It is a great support to virtue, when we see u 
good mind to maintain its patience and tranquillity, 
under injuries and affliction, and to cordially forgive 
its oppressors. 



Rule 13.) SYNTAX 

It is the (liflfcrence of tlicir conduct, whidi inak'.^ 
us to approve the one, and to reject the other. 

We should not he like many persons, to depre- 
ciate the virtues we do not possess. 

To see younsj persons vvlio ai-e courted by heallli 
and pleasure, to resist ail the allurements of vice, 
and to steadily pursue virtue and know ledge is cheer- 
ing and delightful to every good mind. 

They acted with so much reserve, that some per- 
sons doubted them to be sincere. 

And the multitude wondered, when they saw* the 
lame to walk, and the blind to see. 

RULE X!II. 

In the iise of words and phrases %vMdu in point of 
time, relate to each other, a due regard to that relation 
shmild be observed. Instead of sayingf " The Lord 
Jiath given, and the Lord hath taken auaij,''' we 
should say " J'he Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
away J' Instead of, *^ I remember the family more than 
twenty years ;'' it snould be, " I have remembered the 
family more than twenty years,^' 

Grammar, p. 163. Key, p. 41. 

The next new year's day I shall be at school three 
years. 

And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak. 

I should be obliged to him, if he will gratify me 
in that particular. 

And the multitude wondered, when they saw the 
dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame 
walk, and the blind seeing. 

I have compassion on the multitude, because they 
continue with me now three days. 

In the treasury belonging to the Cathedral in this 
ci ly, is preserved with the greatest veneration, for 
upwards of six hundred years, a dish which they 
j>re.tend tD be made of emerald. 



74 EXERCISES. CJ^ule 13. 

The court of Rome gladly laid hold on all the op- 
portunities, which the imprudence, weakness or ne- 
cessities of princes, afford it, to extend its authority. 

Fierce as he mov'd his silver shafts resound. 

They maintained tiiat Scripture conclusion, that 
all mankind rise from one head. 

John will earn !iis wages, when his service is com- 
pleted. 

Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life. 

Be that as it will, he cannot justify his conduct. 

1 have been at London a year, and seen the king 
last summer. 

After we visited London, we retUDied, content and 
thaidvful, to our retired and peaceful habitation. 

The j'ollotving examples are adapted to th^ notes and 
observations under uui.e xiii. 

Grammar, p. 164. Key, p. 42. 

i. I purpose to go to London in a few months, 
and after I shall finish my business there, to proceed 
to America. 

These prosecutions of William seem to be the most 
iniquitous measures juirsued by tiie court during the 
time that the use of parliaments was suspended. 

From the little coiiversation I had with him, he 
appeared to have been a man of letters. 

I always intended to have rewarded my son, ac- 
cording to his merit. 

It would, on reflection, have given me great satis- 
faction, to relieve him from that distressed situation. 

It required so much care, that 1 thought I should 
have lost it before I reached home. 

We have doue no more than it was our duty x.> 
have done. 

He would have assisted one of his friends, if he could 
do it without injuring the other; but as that could 
not hare been done, he avoided all interference. 



Rule U.J synta:c. 75 

Must it not be expected, that lie would have de- 
fended an authority, which had been so long exer- 
cised without controversy ? 

These enemies of Christianity were confounded, 
whilst they were expecting to have found an oppor- 
tunity to have betrayed its Author. 

His sea-sickness w as so great, that I often feared 
he w^ould have died before our arrival. 

If these persons had intended to deceive, they 
would have taken care to have avoided, what would 
expose them to the objections of their opponents. 

It was a pleasure to have received his approba- 
tion of my labours : for which I cordially thanked 
him. 

It would have afforded me still greater pleasure, 
to receive his approbation at an earlier period: but 
to receive it at all, reflected credit upon me. 

To be censured by him, would soon have proved 
an insuperable discouragement. 

Him portionM maids, apprentic'd orphans blest. 
The young who labour, and the old who rest. 

The doctor, in his lecture, said, that fever always 
produced thirst. 

RULE XVI. 

Participles have the same government as the verbs 
have from which they are derived : as^ " I am weary 
with hearing ;" ** She is ivstructing us ;*' " The 
tutor is admonishing Charles,''^* 

Grammar, p. 167. Key, p. 44. 

Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. 
Suspecting not only ye, but they also, I was stu- 
dious to avoid all intercourse. 

• Though the participle is not a part of speech distinct from 
the verb, yet as it forms a particular and striking part of the 
verb, and has some rules and observations which are pecuhar to 
it, we think it is entitled to a separate distinctive consideration. 



76 EXERfJiSES, (Rule 14j 

{ could not avoid considering, in some de.a^ree, 
tliey as enemies to me; and he as a suspicious 
friend. 

From having exposed himself too freely in differ- 
ent climates, he entirely lost his health. 

The examples which follow 9 are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule xiv. 

Grammar, p. 167. Key, p. 45, 

1, By ohserving of truth, you will command es- 
teem, as well as secure peace. 

He prepared them for this event, by the sending 
to them proper information. 

A person may be great or rich by chance : but 
cannot be wise or good, without the taking pains 
for it. 

Nothing could have made her so unhappy, as the 
marrying a man who possessed such priiiciples. 

The changing times and sasons, the removing 
and setting up kings, belong to Providence alone. 

The middle station of life seems to be the most 
advantageously situated for gaining of wisdom. 
Poverty turns our thoughts too much upon the sup- 
plying our wants ; and riches upon the enjoying our 
superfluities. 

Pliny, speaking of Cato the Censor's disapproving 
the Grecian orators, expressed himself thus. 

Propriety of pronunciation is the giving to every 
word that sound, which the most polite usage of the 
language appropriates to it. 

The not attending to this rule, is the causie of a 
very common error. 

This was in fact a converting the deposit to his 
own use. 

2. There will be no danger of their spoiling their 
faces, or of their gaining converts. 

For his avoiding that precipice, he is indebted to 
)iis friend's care. 



Rule \A:.J SYNTAX. IT 

It was from our misunderstanding the directions, 
that we lost our way. 

In tracing of his history, we discover little that is 
worthy of imitation. 

By reading of books written by the best authors, 
his mind became highly improved. 

S. By too eager pui'suit, he run a great risk of 
being disappointed. 

He had not long enjoyed repose, before he begun 
to be weary of having nothing to do. 

He was greatly heated, and drunk with avidity. 

Though his conduct was in some respects, ex- 
ceptionable, yet he dared not commit so great an of- 
fence, as that which was proposed to him. 

A second deluge learning thus o'er-run : 

And the monks finished what the Goths begun. 

If some events had not fell out very unexpectedly, 
I should have been present. 

He would have went with us had he been invited. 

He returned the goods which he had stole, and 
made all the reparation in Lis power. 

They have chose the part of honour and virtue. 

His vices have weakened his mind, and broke his 
health. 

He had mistook his true interest, and found him- 
self forsook by his former adherents. 

The bread that iias been eat is soon forgot. 

No contentions have arose amongst them since 
their reconciliation. 

The cloth had no seam, but was wove through- 
out. 

The French language is spoke in every state in 
Europe. 

His resolution was too strong to be shook by 
slight opposition. 

He 



78 EXERCISES. {Rule 15. 

He was not much restrained afterwards, having 
took impi-oper liberties at first. 

He has not^'et wore off the rough manners, which 
lie brought with him. 

You who have forsook your friends, are entitled 
to nt) confidence. 

They who have bore a part in the labour, shall 
sliare the rewards. 

When the rules have been wontonly broke, there 
can be no plea for favour. 

He writes as the best authors would have wrote, 
had they writ on the same subject. 

He heapt up great riches, but past his time mise- 
rably. 

He talkt and stampt with such vehemence, that 
he was suspected to be insane. 

RUI.B XT. 

Adverbs f though they have no government of cast, 
tense, Sfc. require an appropnate situation in the sen- 
tence, vi%, for tlie most part before adjectives, after 
verbs active or neuter^ and frequently between the 
auxiliary and the verb ; as, ** He made a very sefsi- 
ble discourse; he spoke unaffectedly and forcibly, and 
7u as attentively heard by the whole assembly.*' 

Grammar, p. 169. Key, p. 48. 

He was pleasing not often, because he was vain. 

TTilliam nobly acted, though he was unsuccessful. 

We may happily live though our possessions are 
small. 

From whence we may date likewise tlie period of 
this event. 

It cannot be impertinent or ridiculous therefore to 
remonstrate. 

He offered an apology, which being not admitted^ 
he became submissive. 

These things should be never separated. 



Rule 15.) svMAX. 7i9 

Unless he liavc more .^oveniniejit of himself, lie 
^vill be always discontented. 

Never sovereign was so much beloved by the 
people. 

He was determined to invite back the king, and 
to call together his friends. 

So well educated a boy gives great hopes to his 
friends. 

Not only he found her employed, but pleased and 
tranquil also. 

We always should pi-efer our duty to our pleasure. 

It is impossible continually to be at work. 

The heavenly bodies are in motion perpetually. 

Having not known, or having not considered, the 
measures proposed, he failed of success. 

My opinion was given on rather a cursory perusal 
of the book. 

It is too common with mankind, to be engrossed, 
and overcome totally, by present events. 

When the Romans were pressed with a foreign 
enemy, the women contributed all their rings an(| 
jewels voluntarily, to assist the government. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under rule xv. 

Grammar, p. 171. Key, p. 49. 

1. They could not persuade him, though they 
were never so eloquent. 

If some persons' opportunities were never so fa- 
vourable, they would be too indolent to improve 
them. 

2. He drew up a petition, where he too freely re- 
presented his own merits* 

His follies had reduced him to a situation where 
he had much to fear, and nothing to hope. 

It is reported that the prince will come here to- 
morrow. 

George is active ; he \{ alked there in less than an 
hour. 



80 EXERCISES. (Rule 16. 

Where are you all going in such haste ? 
Whither have they heen since they left the city? 

S. Charles left the seminary too early, since when 
he has made very little imjirovement. 

Nothing is better worth the ^^hiIe of young per- 
sons, than the acquisition of knowledge and virtue. 

RULE XVI. 

Two negatives f in English^ destry one another, or 
are equivalent to an affirmative : as, •* JVor did they 
not perceive him ;^^ that is, ** they did perceive him.'* 
** His language, though inelegant^ is not ungramma- 
tlcal ,''^ that is, " it is grammaticaL** 

Grammar, p. 172. Key, p. 50. 

^EITHER riches nor honours, nor no such perish- 
ing goods, can satisfy the desires of an immortal 
spirit. 

Be honest, nor take no shape nor semblance of 
ilisguise. 

We need not, nor do not, confine his operations 
to narrow limits. 

I am resolved not to comply with the proposal, 
neither at present, nor at any other time. 

There cannot be nothing more insignificant than 
vanity. 

Nothing never affected her so much as this mis- 
conduct of her child. 

Do not interrupt me yourselves, nor let no one 
disturb my retirement 

These people do not judge wisely, nor take no 
proper measures to affect their purpose. 

The measure is so exceptionable, that we cannot 
by no means permit it. 

I have received no information on the subject 
neither from him nor from his friend. 

Precept nor discipline is not so forcible as example. 



Rule \7.J SYNTAX. «i 

The kins^ nor the queen was not at all deceived 
in the business. 

RULE XVII. 

Prepositions govern the objective case: as* "/ 
have heard a good character of her ;" " From him that 
is needy turn not away ;" " ^ word to the wise is 
sufficient for them ;'* *^ JVe may be good and happy 
without riches." 

Grammar, p. 172. Key, p. 50. 

We are all accountable creatures, each for bisself. 

They willingly, and of theirselves, endeavoured 
to make up the difference. 

He laid the suspicion upon somebody, I know not 
who, in the company. 

I hope it is not I who he is displeased with. 

To poor we there is not much hope remaining. 

Does that boy know who he speaks to? Who 
does he offer such language to ? 

It was not he that they were so angry with. 

What concord can subsist between those who 
commit crimes, and they who abhor them ? 

Tlie person who I travelled with, has sold the . 
horse which he rode on during our journey. 

It is not I he is engaged with. 

Who did he receive Siat intelligence from? 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 

observations under kule xvii. 

Grammar, p. 173. Kev, p. 51, 

1. To have no one whom we heartily wish well 
to, and whom we are warmly concerned for, is a 
deplorable state. 

He is a friend whom I am highly indebted to. 

2. On these occasions, the prnoun is governed by, 
and consequently agrees with, the preceding word. 



S2 EXERCISES. (Bule IT. 

They were refused entrance into, and forcibly 
driven from, the house. 

3. We are often disappointed of things, which, 
before possession, promised much enjoyment. 

I have frequently desired their company, but have 
always been hitherto disappointed in that pleasure. 

4. She finds a difficulty of fixin,^ her mind. 
Her sobriety is no derogation to her understand- 

ina:. 

There was no water, and he died for thirst. 

We can fully confide on none but the truly good. 

I have no occasion of his services. 

Many have profited from good advice. 

Many redicuious practices have been brought in 
vogue. 

The error w-as occasioned by compliance to ear- 
nest entreaty. 

This is a principle in unison to our nature. 

We sliould entertain no prejudices to simple and 
rustic persons. 

They are at present resolved of doing their duty. 

That boy is known under the name of the Idler. 

Though conformable with custom, it is not war- 
rantable. 

This remark is founded in truth. 

Uis parents think on him, and his improvements^ 
with pleasure and hope. 

His excuse was admitted of by his master. 

What went ye out for to see ? 

There appears to have been a million men brought 
into the field. 

His present was accepted of by his friends. 

More than a thousand of men were destroyed. 

It is my request, that he will be particular m 
speaking to the following points 

Tlie Saxons reduced the greater part of Britain 
to their own power. 



Mule 18. J SYNTAX 8.'; 

He lives opposite the Royal Excbatij^c. 

Their house is situated to tlie nortli-east sifle ol 
tlic road. 

The jierformance was approved of by all who 
understood it. 

He was accused with having acted unfaiily. 

She has an abhorrence to all deceitful conduct. 

They were some distance iiom home, when the 
accident liap])ened 

His deportment was adapted for conciliating re- 
gard. 

My father writes me very frequently. 

Their conduct was agreeable with their profession* 

We went leisurely above stairs, and came hastily 
below. We shall write up stairs this forenoon, and 
down stairs in the afternoon. 

The politeness of the world has the same resem- 
blance with benevolence, that the shadow has with 
the substance. 

He had a taste of such studies, ami pursued them 
earnestly. 

When we have had a true taste for the pleasures 
of vii'tue, we can have no relish of those of vice. 

How happy is it to know how to live at times by- 
one's self, to leave one's self in regret, to find one's 
self again with pleasure ! The world is then less 
necessary for us. 

Civility makes its way among every kind of per- 
sons. 

5. I have been to London, after having resided a 
year at France; and I now live in Islington. 

They have just landed in Hull, and are going for 
Liverpool, They intend to reside some time at 
Ireland. 

HtLD XVlIl. 

Conjunctions connect the same moods and icnscs of 
'nha, and cases of nouns and prohouns : as, ** Can- 



9!4t EXERCISES. (Rule 18. 

dour is to be approved and practised ;" " Tf thou shi' 
cerely desire, and earnestly pursue virtue, she will 
assuredly he found by thee, and prove a rich reward;^ 
" The master taught her andme to rvnle;'^ ** Jle and 
she were school fcUouisy 

Gramriiar, p. 176. Key, p. 53. 

Professing regard, and to act differently, discover 
a base mind. 

Did he not tell me his fault, and entreated me i6 
forgive him ? 

My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. 

If he understood the subject, and attends to it in- 
dustriously, he can scarcely fail of success. ' 

You and us enjoy many privilegesr. 

If a man have a liundred sheep, and one of them 
is f^ane astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, 
and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that 
which is gone astray ? 

She and him are very unhappily connected. 

To be moderate in our views, and proceeding 
temperately in the pursuit of them, is the best way 
to ensure success. 

Between him and I. there is some disparity of 
years ; but none between him and she. 

By forming themselves on fantastic models, and 
ready to vie with one another in the reigning follies, 
the young begin with being ridiculous, and end with 
being vicious and immoraU 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under ruxe xriii. 

Grammar, p. 177. Key, p. 54. 

1. We have met with many disappointments ; and, 
if life continue, shall probably meet with many more. 

Rank may confer influence, but will not necessa- 
r^y produce virtue. 



Rule 19 J SYNTAX. 85 

He does not want courage, but is defective in sen- 
sibility. 

These people have indeed acquired great riches, 
but do not command esteem. 

Our seasons of improvement is short ', and, whe- 
ther used or not, will soon pass away. 

He might have been happy, and is now fully eon- 
vinced of it. 

Learning strengthens the mind ; and ,if properly 
applied, will improve our morals too. 

RULE XIX. 

Some conjunctions require the indicative, some the 
mhj'unctive mooiU ({fter them. It is a general rule, 
that when something contingent or dmibtful is implied, 
the suhjn active ought to be used: as, '^If I were to 
write. i:f ivonhl not regard it;^^ ** He will not be par- 
doned u-:''ess herepent.^^ 

Conj mictions that are of a positive and absolute 
nature, require the indicative mood, ^^ ,^s virtue ad- 
vances, so vice recedes ;'' '^ He is healthy, because he 
is temperate,*' 

Grammar, p, 178. Key, p. 54. 

If he acfjuires i-iches, they will corrupt his mind, 
and be useless to others. 

Though he uiges me yet more earnestly, I shall 
not comply, unless he advances more forcible rea^ 
sons. 

1 shall walk in the fields to-day, unless it rains. 

As the governess were present, the children be* 
haved pro|)erly. 

She disapproved the measure, because it were 
very improper. 

Though he be high, he hath respect to the lowly. 

Though hv were her friend, he did not attempt to 
justify her conduct. 

^Vhethcr he improve or not, I cannot determine. 
I 



86 EXERCISES'. (Rule 19 

Though the fact be extraordinary, it certainly did 
happen. 

Keinember what thou wert, and be humble. 

O! that this heart was tender, aud susceptible of 
the woes of others. 

Shall tiien this verse to future ag-e pretend, 
Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend ? 

The examples which follow are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule xix. 

Grammar, p, ir9. Key, p. 55, 

1. Despise not any condition, lest it happens to 
be your own. 

Let him that is sanguine, take heed lest he mis- 
carries. 

Take care that thou breakest not any of the es- 
tablished rules. 

If he does but intimate his desire, it will be suf- 
ficient to produce obedience. 

At the time of his return, if he is but expert in 
the business, he will find employment. 

If he do but speak to display his abilities, he is 
unworthy of attention. 

If he be but in health, I am content.^ 

If he does pi*omise, he will certainly perform. 

Though he do praise her, it is only for her beauty. 

If thou dost not forgive, perhaps thou wilt not be 
forgiven. 

If thou do sincerely believe the truths of religion, 
act accordingly. 

2. His confused behaviour made it reasonable to 
suppose that he were guilty. 

He is 80 Coni5cious of deserving the rebuke, that 
he dare not make any reply. 

His apology was so plausible, that many bafriencT- 
ed hira^ and thought he were innocent. 



Rule 19 J SYNTAX. 87 

3. If one man prefer a life of industry, it is be- 
cause he has an idea of comfort in wealth ; if an- 
other prefers a life of gaiety, it is from a like idea 
concerning pleasure. 

No one engages in that business, unless he aim at 
reputation, or hopes for some singular advantage. 

Though the design be laudable, and is favourable 
to our interest, it will involve much anxiety and 
labour. 

4. Unless he learns faster, he will be no scholar. 
Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down. 
On condition that he comes, I will consent to 

stay. 

However that affair terminates, my conduct will 
be unimpeachable. 

If virtue rewards us not so soon as wo desire, the 
payment will be made with interest. 

Till repentance composes his mind, he will be a 
stranger to peace. 

Whether he confesses or not, the truth will cer- 
tainly be discovered. 

If thou censurest uncharitably, thou wilt be en- 
titled to no favour. 

Though, at times, the ascent to the temple of vir- 
tue, appears steep and craggy, be not discouraged. 
Persevere until thou gainest the summit : there, all 
is order, beauty, and pleasure. 

If Charlotte desire to gain esteem and love, she 
does not employ the proper means. 

Unless the accountant deceive me, my estate is 
considerably improved. 

I'hough self-government produce some uneasi- 
ness, it is light when compared with the pain of vi- 
cious indulgence. 

Whether he thinks as he speaks, time will dis- 
cover 

If thou censure uncharitably, thou deeervest n© 
favour. 



88 EXERCISES. (Rule 19.. 

Though virtue appear severe, she is truly amiable. 
Thouja^h success he very doubtful, it is proper that 
he endeavours to succeed. 

5. If thou have promised, be faithful to thy en- 
gagement. 

Though he have proved his right to submission, 
he is too generous to exact it. 

Unless he have improved, he is unfit for the office. 

6. If thou had succeeded, perhaps thou wouldst 
not be the happier for it. 

Unless thou shall see the propriety of the measure^ 
we shall not desire thy support. 

Though thou will not acknowledge, thou canst 
not deny the fact. 

7. If thou gave liberally, thou wilt receive a li- 
beral reward. 

Though thou did injure him, he harbours no re- 
sentment. 

It would be well, if the report was only the mis- 
representation of lier enemies. 

Was he ever so great and opulent, this conduct 
would debase him- 

Was I to enumerate all her virtues, it would look 
like flattery. 

Th')ugh I was perfect, yet would I not presume, 

8. If thou may share in his labours, be thankful, 
and do it cheerfuly. 

Unless thou can fairly 3up])ort the cause, give it 
up honourably. 

Though thou might have fore'seen the danger, 
thou couldst not have avoi !ed it. 

If thou could convince him, he would not act iu- 
cordingly. 

If thou would improve in knowledi^f . be d-irt^fnt. 

Unless thou should make a timely retreat, the 
danger will be unavoidable. 



Ult i^.J StXNTAX. S9 

1 have laboured, and wearied myself, that thou 
may be at ease. 

He enlarged on those dangers, that thou should 
avoid them. 

9* Neither the cold or the fervid, but characters 
Uniformly warm, are formed for friendship. 

They are both praise worthy, and one is equally 
deserving as the other. 

He is not as diligent and learned as his brother. 

I will present it to Inm myself, or direct it to he 
given to him. 

Neither despise or oppose what thou dost not un* 
derstand. 

The house is not as commodious as we expected 
it would be. 

I must, however, be so candid to own I have been 
mii^taken. 

There was something so amiable, and yet so 
piei'cing in his look, as affected me at once with 
love and terror. 



* I gain'd a son ; 



And such a son, as all men hail'd me happy." 

The dog in the manger would not eat the hay 
himself, nor suffer the ox to eat it. 

As far as 1 am able to judge, the book is well 
written. 

We should faithfully perform the trust committed 
to us, or ingenuously relinquish the cliarge. 

He is not as eminent, and as much esteemed as he 
thinks himself to be. 

The work is a dull performance ; and is neither 
capable of pleasing the understanding, or the ima- 
gination. 

There is no condition so secure, as cannot admit 
of change. 

This is an event which nobody presumes upon 
or is so sanguine to hope for. 
12 



9') EXKUCISE&. (Rule 20,. 

We are generally pleased with any little accom- 
plishments of body or mind. 

10. Be ready to succour such persons who need 
thy assistance. 

The matter was no sooner proposed, but he pri- 
vai«^ly withdrew to considei- it. y 

He has too much sense and prudence than to be^ 
come a dupe to such artifices. 

It is i»ot sufficient thnt our conduct, as far as it 
res|>ects others, appears to he unexceptionable. 

The resolution was not the less fixed, that the se- 
cret was yet communicated to very few. 

lie opposed the most remarkable corruptions of 
the church of Rome, so as that his doctrines were 
embraced by great numbers. 

He gained nothing further by his speech, but only 
to be commended for his eloquence. 

He has little more of the scholar besides the name. 

He has little of the scholar than the name. 

They had no sooner risen, but they applied them- 
selves to their studies. 

From no other institution, besides the admirable 
one of juries, could so great a benefit be expected. 

Those savage people seemed to have no other 
element but war. 

Such men that act treacherously ought to be 
avoided. 

Germany ran the same risk as Italy had done. 

No errors are so trivial, but they deserve tg be 
corrected. 

RULE XX. 

H^hen the qualities of different things are compared^ 
the latter noun or fironoun is not governed by the con- 
junction than or as, but agrees with the verb, or is 
governed by the verb or the firefiosition^ exfiresaed or 



Rule^.) SYNUAX. 91 

understood: asy <■' T/iou art wiser than /;'* that isy 
** than I am.** *' They loved him more than me ;** 
that ia^ " more than they loved me.** '* The sentiment 
is well exfiressed by Flato, but much better by Soh- 
man than him ;** that is, " than by him.** 

Grammar, p. 187. Key, p. 60. 

In some respects, we have had as many advan- 
tages as them ; but in the article of a good library 
they have had a greater privilege than us. 

The undertaking was much better executed by his 
brother tlian he. 

They are much greater gainers than me by this 
unexpected event 

They know how to write as well as him : but he 
19 a much better grammarian than tliem. 

Thoug!i she is not so learned as him, she is as 
much beloved and respected. 

These people, though they possess more shining 
qualities, are not so proud as him, nor so vain as her. 

The following examples are adafited to the nttes and 
observations under rule xx« 

Grammar^ p. 188. Key. p. 60. 

1. Who betrayed her companion ? Not me. 

Who revealed the secrets he ought to have con- 
cealed ? Not him. 

Who related falsehoods to screen herself, and to 
bring an odium upon others? Not me ; it was her. 

There is but one in fault, and that is me. 

Whether he will be learned or no, must depend 
on his application. 

Charles XII. of Sweden, than who a more cou- 
rageous person never lived, appears to have been 
destitute of the tender sensibilities of nature, 

Salmasius (a more learned man than him has sel- 
dom appeared) was not happy at the close of life. 



^- EXEucjbES, {Rule 21- 

RULE XXI. 

To avoid disagreeable repetitions, and to ecepress 
our ideas in few words^ an ellipsis^ or omission of 
some words f ' is Jrequentbj admitted. 

Grammar, p. 188, Key, p. 61. 

I jsjladly shunned who gladly fled from me. 

And this is it men mean hy distributive justice, 
and is properly termed equity. 

His honour, interest, religion, were all embarked 
in this undertaking. 

M hen so good a man as Socrates fell a victim to 
the madness of the people, truth, virtue, religion, 
fell with him. 

The fear of death, nor hope of life, could make 
him submit to a dishonest action. 

An elegant house and furniture were, by this 
event, irrecoverably lost to the owner. 
The examples which follow are suited to the notes and 
observations under kui-e xxi. 
Grammar, p. 189, Key, p. 62. 

1. These rules are addressed to none but the in- 
telligent and the attentive. 

The gay and the pleasing arc, sometimes, tire 
most insidious, and the most dangerous companions. 

Old age will prove a joyless and a dreary season, 
if we arrive at it with an unimproved, or with a 
corrupt mmd. 

7^he more I see of his conduct, I like him better. 

It is not only the duty, but interest of young per- 
sons, io be studious and diligent. 

£. These counsels were the dictates of virtue, and 
the dictates of true honour. 

Avarice atid cunning may acquire an estate; but 
avarice and cunning cannot gain friends. 

A taste for useful knowledge, will provide for us a 
grcat^nd noble entertainment, when othera leave us. 



Rule ^\.) SYNTAX. 93 

Without firmness, notliina; that is c^reat can be 
undertaken ; that is difficult or hazardous, can be 
accomplished. 

The anxious man is the votary of riches ; the neg- 
ligent, of pleasure. 

S. His crimes had brought him into extreme ^is- 
tre^s, and extreme perplexity 

He has an affectionate bi'other, and an affection- 
ate sister, and they live in great harmony. 

We must guai'd against too great severity, and 
farj'ity of manners. 

We should often recollect wbat the v,'iscst men 
have said and written, Cftncerning human happiness 
and vanity. 

That species of commerce will produce great gain 
or k>ss. 

Many days, and even weeks, pass away unim- 
proved. 

TWis wonderful action struck the beholders with 
exceerjing astonishment. 

The people of this country possess a healthy cli- 
mate and soil. 

They enjoy also a free constitution and laws. 

4. His reputation and iiis estate were both lost by 
gaming. 

This intelligence not only excited our hopes, but 
fears too. 

His conduct is not scandalous; and that is the 
best can he said of it. 

This was the person whom calumny had greatly 
abused, and sustained the injustice with singular 
patience. 

He discovered vSome qualities in the youth, of a 
disHj-iKN nhle nature, and to him were wholly unac- 
countable. 

I'le captain had several men died in his ship^ of 
the scurvy. 



94 EXEKCiSES. (Rulc2\. 

He is not only sensible and learned^ but is reli- 
gious too. 

The Chinese language contains an immense num- 
ber of words ; and who would learn them must pos- 
sess a great memory. 

By presumption and by vanity, we provoke en- 
mity, and we incur contempt. 

In the circumstances I was at that time, my trou- 
bles pressed heavily upon me. 

He has destroyed his constitution, by the very 
same errors that so many have been destroyed. 

5. He is temperate, he is disinterested, he is be- 
nevolent ; he is an ornament to his family, and a 
credit to his profession. 

Genuine virtue supposes our benevolence to be 
strengthened, and to be confirmed by principle. 

Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward all 
our toils, and will produce effects beyond our cal- 
culation. 

It is happy for us, when we can calmly and deli- 
berately look back on the past, and can quietly an- 
ticipate the future. 

The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewarded 
hereafter, but recompensed even in this life. 

All those possessed of any office, resigned their 
former commission. 

If young persons were determined to conduct 
themselves by the rules of virtue, not only would 
they escape innumerable dangers, but command 
respect from the licentious themselves. 

Ohai'les was a man of learning, knowledge, and 
bene\olence; and, what is still more, a true Chris- 
tian. 

6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle 
of the world, will be often ruffled, and be often 
disturbed. 

We often commend imprudently as well as cen 
sure imprudently. 



Rule 2\.j SYNTAX. 95 

How a seed j^rows up into a tree, and the mind 
aets upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot 
explain. 

Verily, there is a reward for the righteous ! There 
is a God that judgeth in the earth. 

r. Changes are almost continually taking place* 
in men and in manners, in opinions and in customs, 
in private fortunes and public conduct. 

Averse either to contradict or blame, the too com- 
plaisant man goes along with the manners that pre- 
vail. 

By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at 
what they blushed before. 

They are now reconciled to what they could not 
formerly be prompted, by any considerations. 

Censure is the tax which a man pays the public 
for being eminent 

Reflect on the state of human life, and the society 
of men, as mixed with good and with evil. 

8. In all stations and conditions, the important 
relations take place, of masters and servants, and 
husbands and wives, and parents and children, and 
brothers and friends, and citizens and subjects. 

Destitute of principle, he regarded neither his 
family, nor his friends, nor his reputation. 

Religious persons are often unjustly represented 
as persons of romantic character, visionary notions, 
unacquainted with the Avorld, unfit to live in it. 

No rank, station, dignity of birth, possessions, 
exempt men from tuntributing their share to public 
utility, 

9. Oh, my father ! Oh my friend ! how great has 
been my ingratitude ! 

Ohi)iety! virtue! how insensible have 1 heen to 
your charms ! 

10. That is a property most men have, op at least 
may attain. 



96 EXERCISES. (Rule2'-2. 

Why do ye that, which is not lav^ful to do on the 
sabbnth clays? 

The showbread which is not lawful to eat, but for 
the priests alone. 

Most, if not all the royol fanriily, had quitted the 
place. 

By these happy labours, tliey who sow and reap, 
will rejoice together. 

RULE XXII. 

All the fiarts of a sentence should corresfiond to each 
ether : a regular and defiendent construction through^ 
out should be carefully preserved. 

Grammar, p. 192. Key, p. 67. 

Several alterations and additions have been made 
to the work. 

The first proposal was essentially difterent, and 
inferior to the second. 

He is more bold and active, but not so wise and 
studious as his companion. 

Thou hearest the sound of the wind, but thou 
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither itgoeth. 

Neither has he, nor any other persons, suspected 
so much dissimulation- 

The court of France, or England, was to have 
been the umpire. 

In the reign of He«ry II. all foreign commodities 
were plenty in England. 

There is no talent so useful towards success in 
l)usiness, ©r which puts men more out of the reach 
of accidents, than that quality generally possessed 
by persons of cool temper, and is, in common lan- 
guage, called discretion. 

The first project was to shorten discourse, by cut- 
ting poiysyl]ahIes into one. 

I shall do all lean to persuade others to take the 
5ame measures for their cure which I have^ 



Rule 22. J SYNTAX. 97 

The greatest masters of critical learning differ 
among one another 

Micaiah said, if thou certainly return in peace, 
then hath not the Lord spoken by me. 

I do not suppose, that we Britons want a genius, 
more than the rest of our neighbours. 

The deaf man, whose ears were opened, and his 
tongue loosened, doubtless glorified the great Phy- 
sician. 

Groves, fields, and meadows, are at any season 
of the year, pleasant to look upon ; but never so 
much as in the opening of the sjiring. 

The multitude rebuked them, because they should 
hold their peace. 

The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay, 
of many, might and probably were good. 

It is an unanswerable argument of a very refined 
age, the wonderful civilities that have passed be- 
tween the nation of authors, and that of readers. 

It was an unsuccessful undertaking, which, al- 
though it has failed, is no objection at all to an en- 
terprise so well concerted. 

The reward is his due, and it has already, or will 
hereafter, be given to him. 

By intercourse with wise and experienced per- 
sons, who know the w^orld, we may improve and 
rub off the rust of a private and retired education. 

Sincerity is as valuable, and even more valuable, 
than knowledge. 

No person was ever so per])lexcd, or sustained 
the mortifications, as he has done to-day. 

The Romans gave, not only the freedom of the 
eity, but capacity for employments, to several towns 
in Gaul, Spain and Germany. 

Such writers have no other standard on which to 
form themselves, except what chances to be fashion- 
able and popular. 

Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed and 
heard in the clearest light. 
K 



98 EXERCISES. {Promiscuous] 

To the happiness of possessing a person of sucli 
UDComnjon merit, Boethius soon had the satisfactbn 
of (>!)taining the highest honour his country could 

b PS tow. 

CHAP. IL 

i' • 'aining instances of false Syntax^ promisciiotisly 
disposed. 

See the Key, p. 69. 

SECT. I. 

Though great has been his disobedience and his 
folly, yet if he sincerely acknowledges his miscon- 
duct, he will be forgiven. 

On these causes depend all the happiness or mis- 
ery, which exist among men. 

The proj^rty of James, I mean his books and 
furniture, were wholly destroyed. 

This prodigy of learning, this scholar, critic, and 
antiquarian, were entirely destitute of breeding and 
civility. 

That writer has given an account of the manner, 
in which Christianity has formerly been propagated 
among the heathens. 

We adore the Divine Being, he who is from 
eternity to eternity. 

Thou, Lord, who hath permitted affliction to 
come upon us, shall deliver us from it in du« time. 

In this place, there were not only security, but 
an abundance of provisions. 

By these attainments are the master honoured, 
and the scholars encouraged. 

The sea appeared to be more than usually agitated. 

Not one in fifty of those who call themselves 
deists, understand the nature of the religion they 
reject. 

Virtue and mutual confidence is the soul of 



PromL&cuous.J syntax. 59 

friendship. Where tliese are wanting, disgust or 
hatred often follow little differences. 

Time and chance happeneth to all men : but 
every person do not consider who govern those 
powerful causCvS. 

The active mind of man never or seldom rests 
satisfied with their present condition, howsoever 
prosperous. 

Habits must be accjuired of temperance and of 
self-denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure, 
and to endure pain, when either of them interfere 
with our duty. 

The error of resting wholly on faith or on works 
is one of those seductions which most easily misleads 
men; under the semblance of piety, on the one hand, 
and of virtue on the other hand. 

It was no exaggerated tale : for she was really 
in that sad condition that her friend represented her. 

An army present a painful sight to a feeling mind. 

The enemies who we have most to fear, arc those 
of our own hearts. 

Thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was 
to come into the world, and hast been so long pro- 
mised and desired. 

Thomas disposition is better than his brothers; 
and he appears to be the happiest man : bnt some 
jjegree of trouble is all mens portion. 

Though remorse sleep sometimes during prospe- 
rity, it will awake surely in adversity. 

It is an invariable law to our present condition, 
that every pleasure that are pursued to excess, con- 
vert themselves into poison. 

If a man brings into the solitary retreat of age. a 
vacant, an unimpiM)ved mind, where no knowledge 
dawns, no ideas rise, which witliin itself has nothing 
to feed u])on, many a heavy and many a comfortless 
day he must necessarily pass. 

I cannot yield to such dishonourable cornduct. 



100 KXERCisij^s. f Promiscuous. 

neither at the present moment of difficulty, nor, I 
trust, under no circumstance whatever. 

Themistocles concealed tlie enterprises of Pausa- 
nias, either thinking it base to betray the secrets 
trusted to his confidence, or imagined it impossible 
for such dangerous and ill concerted schemes to 
take effect* 

Pericles gained such an ascendant over the minds 
of the Athenians, tliat he might be said to attain a 
monarchial pov\er in Athens. 

Christ did applaud the liberality of the poor widow, 
who he Ijad seen casting her two mites in the treasury. 

A multiplicity of little kind offices, in persons fre- 
quently conversant with each other, is the bands of 
society and of friendship. 

To do good to them that hate us, and, on no oc- 
casion, to seek revenge, is the duty of a Christian. 

If a man profess a regard for the duties of re- 
ligion, and neglect that of morality, that man's re- 
ligion is vain. 

Affluence might give us respect, in the eyes of the 
vulgar, but will not recommend us to the wise and 
good. 

The polite accomplished libertine, is but mi- 
serable amidst all his pleasures; the rude inhabitant 
of Lapland is happier than him. 

The cheerful and the gay, when warmed by plea- 
sure and by mirth, lose that sobriety and that self- 
denial, which is essential to the support of virtue. 

SECT. II. 

Key, p, 72. 

There were, in the metropolis, mucli to amuse 
them, as well as many thiii.£:s to excite disgust. 

How much is real virtue and merit exposed to 
suffer the hardships of a stoiwy life? 

This is one of the duties which requires peculiar 
circumspection. 



Promiscuous.} syntax, 101 

More complete happiness than that I have des- 
cribed, seldom falls to the lot of mortals. 

There are principles in man, which ever have, 
and ever will irjcline him to offend. 

Whence have there arose such a great variety of 
opinions and tenets in religion? 

Its stature is less than that of a man ; but itis 
strength and agility much gi'eater. 

They that honour me, them will I honour. 

He summonses me to attend, and I must summons 
the others. 

Then did the officer lay hold of him, and executed 
him immediately. 

Who is that person whom I saw you introduce 
and present him to the duke ? 

I offer observations that a long and chequered 
pilgrimage have enabled me to make on man. 

£very church and sect of people have a set of 
opinions peculiar to themselves. 

May thou as well as me, be meek, patient, and 
forgiving. 

These men were iirTder high abligation to Fiave 
adhered to their friend in every situation of life* 

After I visited Europe, I returned to America, 

Their example, their influence, their fortune^ 
every talent they possess, dispenses blessings on all 
around them. 

When a string of such sentences succeed one an- 
other, the effect is disagreeable. 

I have lately been in Gibraltar, arid have seen tho 
commander in chief. 

Propriety of pronunciation, is the giving to eve. 7 
word the sound which the politest usage of the lan- 
guage appropriates to it. 

Tlie book is printed very neat, and on a fine w ()^ x 
paper. 

The fables of the ancients are many of them high 
ly instructive. 

K2 



102 EXF.HLisLS. (Promiscuous. 

He resembles one of those solitary animals, that 
has been forced fiom its forest, to gratify human 
curiosity. 

There is not, nor ought to be, such a thing as 
constructive treason. 

He is a new created knight, and his dignity sit§ 
awkward on him. 

Hatred or revenge are things deserving of cen- 
sure, wherever they are found to exist. 

If you please to employ your thoughts on that 
subject, you would easily conceive our miserabk 
condition. 

His speech contains one of the grossest and infa- 
mousest calumnies which ever was uttered. 

A too great variety of studies dissipate and weak- 
en the mind. 

Those two authors have each of them their merit. 

James was resolved to not indulge himself in such 
a cruel amusement. 

The not attending to this rule, is the source of a 
very common error. 

Calumny and detraction are sparks, which if you 
do not blow, they will go out of themselves. 

Clelia is a vain woman, whom if we do not flatter, 
she will be disgusted. 

That celebrated work was neai'ly ten years pub- 
lished, before its importance was at all understood. 

Ambition is so insatiable that it will make any 
sacrifices to attain its objects. 

A great mass of rocks thrown together by the 
hand of nature, with wildness and confusion, strike 
the mind with more grandeur than if they were ad- 
justed to one another with the accuratest symmetry, 

SECT. HI. 

Key, p. 74. 

He showed a spirit of forgiveness, and a magna- 
nimity 9 that does honour to human nature. 



Promificuous.) syntax. lOS 

They that honour me, I will honour; and them 
th.Ht despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 

Lies in three words, health, peace, and competence. 

Having thus began to throw off the restraints of 
reaso!!, he was soon hurried into deplorable excesses. 

These arts have enlightened, and will enlighten, 
every person who shall attentively study them. 

When we succeed in our plans, its not to be at- 
tributed always to ourselves ; the aid of others often 
promote the end and claim our acknowledgment. 

Their intentions were g«iod; but wanting pru- 
dence, they mist the mark for which they aimed 

I have not, nor shall not consent to a proposal so 
unjust. 

We have subjected ourselves to much expense, 
that thou may be well educated. 

This treaty was made at earl Moretwi the gover- 
nor's castle. 

Be especially careful, that thou givest no offence 
to the aged or helpless. 

I'he business was no sooner opened, but it was 
cordially acquiesced in. 

As to his general conduct, he deserved punishment 
as much, or more than his companion. He left a 
son of a singular character, and behaved so ill that 
he was put in prison. 

If he does but approve my endeavours, it will be 
an ample reward. 

[ beg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of 
a view of the manufactories of the West Riding of 
the county of York. 

I intended to have written the letter, before he 
urged me to it ^ and, therefore, he has not all the 
merit of it. 

All the power of ridicule, aided by the desertion 
of IViends, and the diminution of his estate, were not 
able to shake his principles. 



•104 EXERCISES. C PrOTUlSCUOlil*, 

In Ills conduct was treachei'y, and in his words, 
faithless professions. 

Thongh the measure be mysterious, it is worthy 
of attention. 

Be solicitous to aid such deservinj:^ persons, who 
appear to be destitute of friends. 

ii^norauce, or the want of li^*!»t, ])rndiire smpii- 
ality, covetousness, and those violent contests with 
others about trifles, which occasion so much misery 
and crimes in the world. 

He will one day reap the rewar-d of his labour, if 
he is diligent and attentive. Till that period comes 
let him be cont«nte<l and patient. 

To the resolutions which we have, upon due con- 
sideration, once adopted as rules of conduct, let 
us adhere firmly. 

He has little more of the gll^at man besides the 
title. 

Though he was my superior in knowledge, he 
would not have thence a right to impose his senti- 
ments. 

That picture of the emperor's, i& a very exact re* 
semblance of him. 

How happy are the virtuous, who can rest on the 
protection of the powerful arm, who made the eartii 
and the heavens ! 

Prosperity and adversity may be improved equal- 
ly ; both the one and the other proceeds from the 
same author. 

He acted conformable with his instructions, and 
cannot be censured justly. 

The orators did not forget to enlarge themselves 
on so popular a subject. 

The language of Divine Providence to all human 
agents, is, "Hitherto shalt thou come, and no farther.'' 

Idle persons imagine, howsoever deficient they be 
in point of duty, they consult at least their own sa- 
tisfaction. 



Promiscuous.) syntak. 105 

Good as the cause is, it is one from which num- 
bers are dpsejted. 

The man is prudent which speaks little. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 77. 

He acted independent of foreign assistance. 

Every tfiingj that we here enjoy, change, decay, 
and come to an end. All float on the surface of Ihe 
fiver, which is running to a boundless ocean, with 
a swift current. 

The winter has not been as severe as we expected 
it to have been. 

Temperance, more than medicines, are the pro- 
pear means of curing many diseases. 

They understand the practical part better than 
him ; but he is much better acquainted with the 
theory than them. 

When we have once drawn the line, by intelli- 
gence and precision, between our duty and sin, the 
line we ought on no occasion to transgress. 

All those distinguished by extraordinary talents, 
have extraordinary duties to perform. 

No person could speak stronger on this subject 
nor behave nobler, than our young advocate for the 
cause of toleration. 

His conduct was so provoking, that many will 
condemn him, and a few wili pity him. 

I'he j)Ooples happiness is the statesmans honour. 

We are in a perilous situation. On one side, and 
tlie other, dangers meet us; and each extreme shall 
be pernicious to virtue. 

Several pictures of the Sardinian king were trans- 
mitted to Fiance. 

When I last saw him lie had grown considerably. 

If Nve consult the im|)roveme»t of mind, or the 
health of body, it is well known exercise is the great 
instrument of promoting both. 



^^6 EXERCISES. ( Promiscuou;:. 

If it were them who acted so un.i^ratefuHy, thev 
are (louhly in fault. 

^'hether virtue promotes our interest or no, we 
must adhere to her dictates. 

We should be studious to avoid too much indulj^ence, 
as well as restraint, in our management of children. 
JNo human happiness is so complete, as does not 
contain some imperfection. 

His father cannot hope for this success, unless 
his son gives better proofs of genius, or applies him- 
self with indefatigable labour. 

The house framed a remonstrance, where they 

spolve with great freedom of the king's prerogative. 

The conduct which has been mentioned, is one of 

those artifices which seduces men most easily, under 

appearance of benevolence 

This is the person who we are so much obliged 
to, and who we expected to have seen, when the 
tavour was conferred. 

He is a person of great property, but does not 
possess the esteem of his neighbours: 

They were solicitous to ingratiate with those, 
who it was dishonourable to favour. 

The great diversity which takes place among men, 
IS not owing to a distinction that nature made in their 
original powers, as much as to the superior diligence, 
wuh which some have improved those powers be- 
yond otiiers. 

While we are unoccupied in what is good, evil is 
at hand continually. 

Not a creature is there that moves, nor a vegeta- 
ble that grows, but what, when minutely examined, 
turnished materials of pious admiration. 

What can be the reason of the committee havinc 
delayed this business ? 

I know not whether Charles was the author, but 
I understood it to be he. 



Promiscuous,) sy.ntax* lOT 

A good and well cultivated mind, is far more pre- 
ferable than rank or riches. 

Charity to tlie poor, when it is governed by know- 
ledge and prudence, there are no persons who will 
not admit it to be a virtue. ^ 

His greatest concern, and highest enjoyment, 
were to be approved in the sight of his Creator. 

Let us not set our hearts on suth a mutable, such 
an unsatisfying woild, 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 79. 

Shall you attain success, without that prepara- 
tion, and escape dangers without that precaution, 
iv'hich is required of others ? 

When we see bad men to be honoured and pros- 
perous in the world, it is some discouragement to 
virtue. 

The furniture was all purchased at Went worth's 
the joiner's. 

Every member of the body, every bone, joint, 
and muscle, lie exposed to many disorders ; and the 
greatest prudence or precaution, or the deepest skill 
of the physician, are not sutficient to prevent them. 

It is riglit said, that though faith justify us, yet 
works must justify our faith. 

If an academy is established for the cultivation of 
our language, let them stop the license of translators, 
whose idleness and iguorace, if it be suffered to 
proceed, will reduce us to babble a dialect of French. 

It is of great consequence that a teacher firmly 
believes, both the truth and importance of those 
principles v^hich he inculcates upon others; and 
that he not only speculatively believes them, but 
has a lively and serious feeling of them. 

It is not the uttering, or the hearing certain 
words, that constitute the worship of the Almighty. 
It is the heart that praises, or prays. If the heart 



108 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous, 

accompany not the words that are spoken, we offet' 
a sacrifice of fools. 

Neitfier flatter or contemn the rich or the ejrpat. 

He has travelled much, and passed through many 
stormy seas and lands. 

You must be sensible that there is, and can be no 
other person but me, who could jsjive the informa- 
tion desired. 

To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under af- 
flictions and disappointments, demonstrate genuine 
piety. 

Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and of 
detestable conduct; and, what is still worse, gloried 
in his shame. 

As soon as the sense of the Supreme Being is h»st, 
so soon the great check is taken off which keep un- 
der restraint the passions of men. Mean debires, 
low pleasures, takes place of the greater and tlie 
nobler sentiments which reason and religion inspiies. 

We should be careful not to foHow the exatnpli* 
of many persons, to censure the opinions, manners 
and customs of others, merely because tliey are 
foreign to us. 

Steady application, as well as genius and abilities, 
are necessary to prioduce eminence. 

There is, in that seminary, several students con- 
siderably skilled in mathematical knowledge. 

If providence clothe the grass of the field, and 
shelters and adorns the flowers that every where 
grows wild amongst it, will he not clothe and pro- 
tect his servants and children much more? 

We are too often hurried with the violence of 
passion, or with the allurements of pleasure. 

High hopes, and florid views, is a great enemy to 
tranquillity. 

Year after year steal something from us; till the 
decaying fabric totters of itself, and crumbles at 
length into dust. 



Promiscuoixa.) sr^rix. -i^; 

I intended to have finished tlie h-^rvv ?v ♦'orf i!- 
bearer calledj that lie might not have •■■/:^:\\ (H^ai!'- 
ed ; but I v/as prevr?!ted by c{)mj>a}iy, 

George is the most learned and urrovnj.rished of 
al) the other students, t'aai be]or?g to i!io h; miniU-y, 

This excellent and wejl writtes? trcittisr, uith 
otliers tiiat might be njenlioiurd, were the iour.div- 
tion of his love of study. 

There can be no doubt but that tlie |>iea5;.M"o-i <»f . 
the mind excel tliose of sense. ^\ 

SECT. VL 

Key, p. 81. 

The grand temple consisted of one great, and 
several smaller edifjces. 

Many w':uld exchange gladly their hononrs, 
beauty, and riches, for that more quiet and humble^ 
station vvliich we are now dissatisfied with. 

Though the scejie was a \^rs affecting one, Louis 
sliov.'ed r* little cmotEon on tiie occasion. 

The Climate of England is not so pleasant as tliose 
of France, Spain, or Italy. 

Mucli of the good ant! evil that liappens to ns in 
this world, are owing to irpparently m^dohigned and 
fortuitous events: bnt it is the Supi'eme -Being 
wlrieh secretly directs ?a\(l regulates all things. 

To despise other.'; on account of their ])overty, 
©r to value ourselves for our wealth, arc disposi- 
tions highly culpable. 

^' This task was the easier performed, from tbe 
clieerfulness v;ith which he engaged in ii« 

She lamented the unhappy fate of Lncretia, who 
seemed to her another name for chastity. 

He lias not yet cast off all the regard for decency j 
and this is tlie most can be advanced in his favour. 

The girls scliool was better conducted formerly 
tiian tl^e boys. 

The disappointments he has met with^ or the Io.sf 
L 



riO EXEiicisES. (Promiscuous. 

of his mueh-loved friend, has occasioned a total de- 
rangement of his mental powers. 

The concourse of people were so great, that with 
difficulty we passed through them. 

All the women, chihlren, and treasure, which re- 
mained in the city, fell under the victor's power. 

They have already made great progress in their 
studies, and, if attention and diligence continues, 
will soon fulfil the expectations of their friends. 

It is amazing his propensity to this vice, against 
every principle of interest and honour. 

These kind of vices, though they inhabit th«t up- 
per circles of life, are not less pernicious, than those 
we meet \\\i\\ amongst the lowest of men. 

He acted agreeable to the dictates of prudence, 
though he were in a situation exceeding delicate. 

If I had known the distress ot my friend, it would be 
my duty to have relieved him: and it would always 
have yielded me pleasure to grant him that relief. 

They admired the countryman's, as they called 
him, candour and uprightness. 

The new set of curtains did not correspond to the 
old pair of blinds. 

The tutor commends him for being more studious 
tjian any other puj)ils of tiie school. 

Two principles in human nature reign ; 
Self love to ure^e, and reason to restrain 
Nor that a good, nor this a bad we call ; 
Each works its end, to move or g-overn all. 

Temperance and exercise, howsoever little they 
may be regarded, they are the best means of pre- 
serving health. 

He has greatly blessed me ; yes, even I, who, load- 
ed with kindness, hath not been sufficiently grateful. 

No persons feels the distresses of others, so much 
as them that have experienced distress themselves. 

SECT. VII. 

Key, p. 83. 
Cca«ta«ntinoi»i;£ was the point, in which was 



Pro mine uo us J Sym ax. i I \ 

concentrated Uic learning and science of the world. 

Disgrace not your station, by that grossnoss (»f 
sensuality, that levity of dissipation, or tliat inso- 
lence of rank, which bespeak a little mind, 

A circle, a ^njuare, a triangle, or a hexagon, please 
the eye by their regularity, as beautiful figures. 

His conduct was equally unjust as dishonourable. 

Though, at first, he begun to defend himself, yet 
when the proofs appeared against him, he dared not 
any longer to contend--^- 

Many })ersons will not believe but what they are 
ft-ee from prejudices. 

•The pleasure or pain of one passion, differ froni 
those of another. 

The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, makes 
a difference of about twelve feet. 

Five and seven make twelve, and one makes 
thirteen. 

He did not know who to suspect. 

I had intended yesterday to have w^alked out, but 
I have been again disappointed 

The court of Spain, who gave the order, were 
not aware of the consequence. 

If the acquisitions he has made, and qualified him 
to be a useful member of society, thould have been 
misapplied, he will be highly culpable. 

There was much spoke and wrote on each side of 
the question ; but I have chose to suspend my de- 
cision. 

Was there no bad men in the world, who vex and 
distress the good, they might appear in the light of 
harmless innocence; but could have no opportunity 
for displaying fidelity and magnanimity, patience 
and fortitude. 

The most ignorant, and the most savage tribes of 
men, when they have looked round on the earth, and 
on the heavens, could not avoid ascribing their origin 



I : ^ EXKRCiSES. C PromiscuouSu 

to some invisible, designing cause, and felt a pni- 
pensity to adore their Creator. 

Let us not fore;et, that something more than 
gentleness and modesty, sometliing more than com- 
placency of temper and affability of manners, are 
requisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christian, 

One of- the first, and the most common extreme 
in moral conduct, is placing aJI virtue injustice, or 
in generosity. 

It is an inflexible regard to principle, which has 
over marked the characters of them who distin- 
guished themselves eminently in public life: who 
patronized tlie cause of justice against powerful oj)- 
pressors ; in critical times, have supported the fall- 
ing rights and liberties of n>en ; and reflected ho- 
nour on their nation and country. 

When it is with regard to triSe§, that diversity or 
contrariety of opinions sho\%ithe5iiselves, it is child- 
ish in tlie last degree, if this become)^ the ground of 
estranged affection. When from such a cause, there 
arise any breach of friendship, human weakness is 
discovered then in a mortifying light. In matters 
of serious moment, the sentiments of the best and 
worthiest might vary i'vam that of their friends, ac- 
cording as tl)eir linesof light diverge, or as their tem- 
po-, and habits of thoaglit, presents objects under 
different points of view. Biit with caiidid and liberal 
mi mis, unity of affection still Nvill be preserved. 

Desires and wishes are the first springof action. 
When tliey become exorbitant, the whole of the 
character is like^to be tainted. If w^e «te>t!ld suffer 
WW fancies to create to themselves worlds of ideal 
happiness; if we shpOld feed our imagination with 
j/lans of opjilence and c^ splendour; if we should fix 
to our wisiics certain stages of a high advancement, 
or cei'tain degrees of an uncommon reputation, as 
rl;e sole station of our felicity ; the assured conse- 



Promiscuous.) svnta>:, \ 113, 

qwence shall be, that we will become uiiba|)j)y under 
our present state; that we shall be unfit foi- actiiic; 
the part, and for discharging the duties that helong; 
to it; and we shall discompose the peace and otder 
of our minds, and shall foment ma<iy hurtful j)assions. 
Maria always appears amiably. Slie never speaks 
severe or contemptuous.* 



* Young persons who study grammar, find it difficult to decide, in par- 
ticular constructions, whether an adjective or an adverb oup;ht to bo user!. 
A few observations on this point may serve to inibrni their judgment, 
and direct their determination. They sliould caretuily attend to the de- 
firiitions of the adjective and the adverb, and consider wliether, in tiie 
case in question, Cjuality or mainw, is indicated. In the former case, an 
adjective is proper: in the latter, an adverb. A number of examples 
will illustrate this direction, and prove useful on other occasions. 

She looks cold — She looks coldly on him 

He feels warm — He feels warmly the insult offered to him. 

He became sincere and virtuous— He became sincerely virtuous. 

She lives free from care — He lives freely at another's expense. 

Harriet always appears neat — She dresses neatly. 

Charles has grown great by his wisdom — He has grown greatly in 
reputation. 

They now appear happy — They now appear happily in earnest. 

I'he statement seems exact — The statement seems exactly in point. 

The verb to be, in all its moods and tenses, generally requires the word 
immediately connected with it to be an adjective, not an adverb; aiidy 
consequently, when this verb can be substituted for any other, without 
varying the sense or the construction, that other verb must also be con- 
nected with an adjective. The following sentences elucidate these ob- 
servations: " This is agi-eeable to our interest ; That behaviour was not 
suitable to his station ; Rules should be conformable to sense ;" "The rose 

is is 

smells sweet; How sweet the hay smells! How delightful the country 

is are are 

appears! How pleasant the fields look ! The clouds look dark; How 

was is 

black the sky looked! The apple tastes sour; How bitter the plums 

were is 

tasted ! He feels happy." In all these sentences, we can with perfect 
pi-opriety, substitute some tenses of tfie verb to be for the other verbs. But 
in the following sentences we cannot do this : " The dog smells disagree- 
ably; George feels exquisitely; How pleasantly she looks at us!" 

The directions contained in this note are offered as useful, not as com- 
plete and unexceptionable. Anomalies in language every where encoun- 
ter us : but we must not reject rules, because they are attended witltes- 
ceptions. 



PART. IV. 

EXKRCISES IN PUNCTUATION. 

CHAP. I. 

leniences which require the application of the Comma, 
disposed under the partioiUar ruUs. 

Grammar, p, 235. Key, p. 86. 
RULE I. 

The tear of repentence brings its own relief. 

Mauliood is disgraced by the consequences of 
neglected youth. 

Idleness is the great fomenter of all corruptions 
in the human heart 

It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortunate. 

All finery is a sign of littleness. 

Slovenliness and indelicacy of character common- 
ly go hand in hand. 

The friend of order has made half his way to 
virtue. 

Too many of the pretended friendships of youth 
are mere combinations in pleasure. 

The indulgence of harsh dispositions is the intro- 
duction to future misery. 

The intermixture of evil in human society serves 
to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the 
good. 

RrLE II. 

Grammar, p. 235. Key, p. 87. 

Gentleness is in truth the great avenue to mutual 
enjoyment 



Comjjia.j prxcit'ATiON. 11. > 

Charity like the su?i hrlt^litens all its ohjects. 

The tutor by instruction and discipline lays the 
foundation of the pupil's future honour. 

Trials in this stage of being are the lot of man. 

No assumed beliaviour can always hide the real 
character. 

The best men often experience disappointments. 

Advice should be seasonably administered. 



Self conceit presumption and obstinacy blast tlie 
pnispect of many a youth. 

In our health life possessions connexions pleasures 
there are causes of decay imperceptibly working. 

Discomposed thoughts agitated passions and a 
ruflled temper poison every pleasure of life. 

Vicissitudes of good and evil of trials and conso- 
lations fill up the life of man. 

Health and peace a moderate fortune and a few 
friends sum up all t!ie undoubted articles of tempo- 
ral felicity. 

We have no reason to complain of the lot of man 
or the world's mutability. 



An idle trifling society is near akin to such as is 
corrupting. 

Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited timor- 
ous and base. 

An upright mind will never be at a loss to discern 
what is just and true lovely honest and of good re<* 
port. 

The vicious man is often looking round him with 
anxious and fearful circumspection. 

True friendship will at all times avoid a careless 
or rough behaviour. 

Time brings a gentle and powerful opiate t« a]l 
mrsfonanes. 



!16 e'xercises. (Comma. 



Grammar, p. 236. Key. p. 88. 

The man of virtue and honour will be trusted re- 
lied upon and esteemed. 

Deliberate slowly execute promptly. 

A true friend unbosoms freely advises justly 
assists readily adventures boldly takes all patiently 
defends resolutely and continues a friend unchange- 
ably. 

Sensuality contaminates the body depresses the 
understanding deadens the moral feelings of the 
heart and degrades man from his rank in the crea- 
tion. 

Idleness brings forward and nourishes many bad 
passions. 

We must stand or fall by our own conduct and 
character. 

The man of order catches and arrests the hours 
as they fly. 

The great business of life is to be employed in 
doing justly loving mercy and walking humbly with 
our Creator. 

RULE VI, 

This unhappy person had often been seriously af» 
fectionately admonished but in vain. 

To live soberly righteously and piously compre- 
hends the whole of our duty. 

When thy friend is calumniated openly and boldly 
espouse his cause. 

Benefits should be long and gratefully remem- 
bered. 

KULE VII. 

True gentleness is native feeling heightened and 
improved by principle. 

The path of piety and virtue pursued with a firm 
and constant spirit will assuredly lead to Jbappiness. 



V'JXfJTUATiaV. 



Human affairs are in continual motion and fluctu- 
ation altering* their appearance everj moment and 
passing into some new forms. 

What can be said to alarm those of their danger 
who intoxicated with pleasures become |2;iddy And 
insolent ; who flattered by the illusions of prosperity 
make light cf everj serious admonition which their 
friends and the changes of the world give them ? 

RVLP. VIII» 

If from anj internal cause a man's peace of mind 
be disturbed in vain we load him with riches or ho- 
nours. 

Gentleness delights above all things to alleviate 
distress ; avid if it cannot dry up the falliiig tear to 
sooth at ]east the grieving heart. 

Wherever Christianity prevails it has discouraged 
and in some degree abolished slavery, 

W^e may rest assured that by the steady pursuit 
©f virtue we shall soon obtain and enjoy it. 



Grammar, p. 237. Ke)', p. 89. 

Continue my dear child to make virtue tiiy prin- 
ipal study. 

To you my worthy benefactors am I indebted un- 
der Providence for all I enjoy. 

Canst thou expect thou betrayer of innocenctvto 
r'scape the hand of vengeance ? 

Come then companion of my toils let us take fresh 
fourage perseverr and hope to the end, 

RULE X. 

Peace of mind being secured we may smile ut 
ciisfortunes. 

Virtue abandoned and conscience reproaching uf, 
■■■: become terrified with imaginaiy evils. 



J 18 EXERCISER. (Comma,- 

Charles haviiiej been deprived of the help of tutors 
his studies became totally ne,^lected. 

The prevent further altercation 1 submitted to the 
terms proposed. 

To enjoy present pleasure he sacrificed his future 
€ase and reputation. 

To say the least they have betrayed great want 
of prudence. 

RULE XI. 

Hope the balm of life sooths us under every mis- 
fortune. 

Content the offspring of virtue dwells both in re- 
tirement and in the active scenes of life. 

Confucius the great Chinese philosopher was em- 
inently good as well as wise. 

The patriarch Josepli is an illustrious example of 
chastity resignation and filial affection. 

RULE XII. 

Grammar, p. 237. Key, p. 90. 

Nothing is so opposite to the true enjoyment of life 
as the relaxed and feeble state of an indolent mind. 

The more a man speaks of himself the less he 
likes to hear another talked of. 

Nothing more strongly inculcates resignation than 
the experience of our own inability to guide our- 
selves. 

The friendships of the world can subsist no longer 
than interest cements them. 

Expect no more from the world than it is able to 
afford you. 

RULE XIII. 

He who is a stranger to industry may possess but 
he cannot enjoy. 



Comma.) punctuation. 119 

Contrition tlioug^" it may melt ought not to sink 
etf* overpower the heart of a Christian. 

The goods of this world were given to man for his 
occasional refreshment not for his chief felicity. 

It is the province of superiors to direct of inferiorfl 
to obey ; of the learned to be instructive of the ig- 
norant to be docile; of the old to be communicative 
of the young to be attentive and diligent. 

Tkough unavoidable calamities make a part yet 
they make not the chief pait of the vexations and 
sorrows that distress human life. 

An inquisitive and meddling spirit often interrupts^ 
the good order and breaks the peace of society. 

RULE XIV. 

Grammar, p. 238. Key, p. 91. 

Vice is not of such a nature that we can say to it 
«^* Hitherto shalt thou come and no further." 

One of the noblest of the Christian virtues is ** to 
love our enemies." 

Many too confidently say to themselves " My 
mountain stands strong and it shall never be re- 
moved." 

We are stnctly enjoined " not to follow a multi- 
tude to do evil." 



The gentle mind is like the smooth stream which 
reflects every object in its just proportion and in its 
fairest colours. 

Beware of those rash and dangerous cormexions 
which may afterwards load you with dishonour. 

Blind must that man be who discerns not the most 
striking marks of a Divine government exercised 
over the world. 

It is labour only which gives the relish to pleasure. 

In that unaffected civility which springs from a 
gcntie mind there is an incomparable charm. 

They who raise envy will easily incur censure. 



12G EXEROISES. {Com: 

Many of the evils which occasion our complaints 
of the w©rld, are wholly imagiHaiy. 

He who is good before invisible witnesses^is emi- 
nently so before the visible. ■^' ^ 

His conduct ^o disinterested and generous was 
universally appro m<L 

RULE XVI. 

Grammar, p. 239. K€;y, p. 92. 

The fumes which arise from a heart boiling with 
violent passions never fail to darken and trouble the 
urKlerstanding. 

If we delay till to-monow what or.ght to be done 
to-day we overcharge the morrow with a burthen 
wliich belongs not to it. 

By whatever means we may at first attract the at- 
tent: (>Ts we can lioid the estei^m. and secure the 
hearts oi" others, only by amiable dispositions and 
the iiccomplishnicnts of the mind. 

if the mind sow not corn, it svill plant thistles. 

One day is sufficient to scatter our pi'QSi>erity and 
bring it to nought. 

Graceful i» youth are the tears of sympathy and 
the heart that melts at the tale of wo. 

Tlie ever active and rcBtless power of thoughiif 
not. em ployed about what is good will naturally and 
unavoidably engender evil. 

He who formed the heart certainly knows wliftt 
passes within it 

To be humble and modest in opinion to be vigi- 
lant and attentive in conductto distrust fair appear- 
ances and to restrain rash desires are instructions 
which thedarknessof our present state should stron'^'^- 
ly inculcatCc 

liULE XVII. 

Grammar, p. 239. Key, p. 93. 

The greatest misery is- to he condemned by 
vn hearts* 



Conuna.j ru.vcruATtON. 121 

Tlie greatest misery tkat we can endure is to be 
condemned by our own hearts. 

Charles's hij^hest enjoyment was to relieve the 
distressed and to do good. 

The highest enjoyment that Charles ever experi- 
enced was>to r< lieve the distressed and to do good. 

RULE XVI II. 

If Opulence increases our gratifications it increases 
in the same proportion our desires and demands. 

He whose wishes respecting the possessions of 
this world aie the most reasonable and bounded is 
likely to loud the safest and for that reason. the most 
desirable life. 

By aspiring too high we frequently miss the hap- 
piness which by a less ambitious aim we might have 
gained,. 

By proper management we prolong our time; we 
live more in a few years tium others do in many. 

In your most secret actions suppose that you have 
all the woF-ld for witnesses. 

In youth the habits of industry are most easily 
acquired. 

SVhat is the right path few take the trouble of in- 
quiring. 

RULE XIX. 

Providence never intended that any state Iierc 
should be either completely happy or entirely mise- 
rable. 

As a companion he was severe and satirical ; as a 
friend captious and dangerous ; in his domestic 
sphere harsh jealous and irascible. 

If the Spring put forth no blossoms in Summer 
there will be no beauty and in Autumn no fruit. So 
if youth be trifled away without improvement man- 
hood will be contemptible and old age miserable. 

M 



i«2 EXERCisESv (Semicolon. 

RULE XX. 

GFammar, p. 240. Key, p. 94. 

Be assured then that order fruj^ality and econonny 
are the necessary supports of every personal and 
private virtue. 

I proceed secondly to point out the proper state 
of our temper with respect to one another. 

Here every thing is in stir and fluctuation ; there 
all is serene steady and orderly. 

I shall make some observations first on the exter- 
nal and next on the internal condition of man. 

Sometimes timidity and false shame prevent ou^' 
opposin,£,' vicious customs; frequently expectation 
and interest impel us strongly to comply. 

.CHAP. II. 

Sentences requiring the insertion of the Semicolon and 
Comma. 

Grammar, p. 240. Key, p. 94. 

That darkness of character where we oan see no 
heart tliose foldings of art through which no native 
affection is allowed to penetrate present an object 
unamiable in every season of life but particularly 
odious in youth. 

To give an early preference to honour above gain 
when they stand in competition to despise every ad- 
vantage which cannot be attained without dishonest 
arts to brook no meanness and to stoop to no dis- 
simulation are the indications of a great mind the 
presages of future eminence and usefulness in life. 

As there is a worldly happiness which God per- 
ceives to be no other than disguised misery as there 
are worldly honours which in his estimation are re- 
proach so there is a worldly wisdom which in his 
sight is foolishness. 

The passions are the chief destroyers our of peaCe 
the storms and tempests of the moral world. 



Colon^ Cfc.) PUNCTUATION. 123 

Heaven is the region of gentleness and friendship 
hell of fierceness and animosity. 

The path of truth is a plain and a safe path that 
of falsehood is a perplexing maze. 

Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth and 
k has ever been esteemed a presage of rising merit. 

Life with a swift though insensible course glides 
a>vay and like a river which undermines its banks 
gradually impairs our state. 

The violent spirit like the troubled waters renders 
back the images of things distorted and broken and 
communicates to them all that disordered motion 
which arises solely from its own agitation. 

Levity is frequently the forced production of folly 
or vice cheerfulness is the natural offspring of wis- 
dom and virtue only. 

Persons who live according to order may be com- 
pared to the celestial bodies which move in regular 
courses and by stated laws whose influence is bene- 
ficient whose operations are quiet and tranquil. 

CHAP. in. 

Sentences requiring the application of the Colon^ ^'c. 

Grammar, p. 241. Key, p. 96. 

The three great enemies to tranquillity are vice 
superstition and idleness'vice which poisons and dis- 
turbs the mind with bad passions superstition, which 
fills it with imaginary terrors idleness which loads 
it with tediousness and disgust. 

To sail on a tranquil surface of an unruffled lake 
and to steer a safe course through a troubled and 
stormy ocean/require different talents'and alas! hu- 
man life oftener resembles the stormy ocean, than 
the unruffled lake. 

Wheti we look forward to the year which is be» 



124 EXKHcisES. (Colon, ti^c. 

,^innin^ what do we behold there ? All my bretliren 
is a blank to our view a dark unknown presents its^^ll*. 

Happy would the poor man think himself if he 
could enter on all the treasures of the rich and hap- 
py for a short time he might be but before he had 
lonj» contemplated and admired his statehis }>osHes- 
sions would seem to lessen and his cares would (jrow. 

By doing or at least endeavouring to do o>ir duty 
to God and man by acquiring an humble tr«;st in the 
mercy and favour of God through Jesus Christ by 
cultivating our minds and properly employing our 
time and thoughts by governing our passions and 
our temper by correcting all unreasonable expecta- 
tions from the world and from men and in the midst 
of wordly business habituating ourselves to calm re- 
treat and serious recollection by such means as these 
it may be hoped that through the Divine blessing 
our days shall flow in a stream as unruffled as the 
human state admits. 

A metaphor is a comparison expressed in an 
abridged form but without any of the words that 
denote comparison as " To the upright there ariseth 
liglit in darkness." 

All our conduct towards men should be influencwl 
by this important precept "Do unto others as you 
would that others should do unto you.'* 

Philip III. king of Spain when he drew near the 
end of his ds^s seriously reflecting on his past life 
and greatly afflicted with the remembrance of his 
mispent time expiessed his deep regret in these 
terms'** Ah! how happy would it have been for me 
had \ spent in retirement these twenty three years 
that I have possessed my kingdoin." 

Often in tlie smile of gaiety assumed whilst tlic 
heart aches within though folly may laugh guilt will 
sting. 

There is no mortal truly wise and restless at or.re 
wisdom is the repose of minds. 



J Itjf'iod.j PJJiN'CTUATiOV. 125 

CHAP. IV. 

Sentences which require the insertion of the Pe- 
riodf (J-c* 

Grammar, p. 2 12. Key, p. 97. 

TiiE absence of Evil is a real Goo(V Peace Quiet 
exemption from pain should be a continual feast 

Worldly ha])piness ever tends to destroy itself by 
dorrupting the heart It fosters the loose and the 
Violent passions It engenders noxious habits and 
taints the mind with false Delicacy which makes it 
feel a Thousand unreal Evils 

Feeding the hungry clothing the Naked com- 
forting the afflicted yield more pleasure than we re- 
ceive from those actions which respect only Our- 
selves Benevolence may in this view be termed the 
most refined self-love 

The Resources of Virtue remain entire when the 
Days of trouble come They remain with us in Sick- 
ness as in Health in Poverty as in the midst of 
Riches in our dark and solitary Hours no less than 
when surrounded with friends and cheerful Society 
The mind of a good man is a kingdom to him and 
he can always enjoy it 

We ruin the Happiness of life when we attempt 
to raise it too high A tolerable and comfortable 
State is all that we can propose to ourselves on 
Earth Peace and contentment not Bliss nor Trans- 

*As every learner is supposed to know, that the first word in 
a sentence must have a capital letter, there would be little ex- 
ercise of his judgment, in applying the period, if no words were 
distinguished by capital letters, but such as propriety required. 
The compiler has, therefore, in this and the following chapters, 
affixed capitals to many words, which should properly begin 
with small letters. This method, besides the use chiefly intend- 
ed, will also serve to exercise the student in the proper nppli- 
calion of capital lettersii 

M3 



126 EXERCISES- {Dashf tfc. 

port are the full Portion of Man Perfect joy is re- 
served for Heaven. 

If we look around us we shall ])C!ceive tliat the 
Whole Universe is full of Active Powers Action is 
indeed the Genius of Nature by Motion and exer- 
tion the System of hnn^ is pi-eservcd in vigour By 
its uiifererit {)ai'trt always actina; in Si.buidination one 
to anotiicr the Perfection of the V» iioie is carried 
on The Heavenly Bodies perpetually revolve Day 
and Night incessantly repeat their appointed course 
Continual operations are g^dng on in the Eai'th and 
in the Waters Nothing stands still 

Constantine the Great was advanced to the sole 
Dominion of the Roman World A D 325 and soon 
after openly professed the Christiar» Faith 

The Letter concludes with this Remarkable Post- 
script "PS Though I am innocent of tlie Charge 
and have been bitterly persecuted yet I cordially 
forgive my Enemies and persecutois" 

The last Edition of that valuable Work was care- 
fully compared with the Original MS 

CHAP. V. 

Sentences requiring the application of tlie Dash; of 
the JSTjtes of Interrogation and Exclamation ; and of 
the Farenthetical characters. 

Grammar, p. 243. Key, p. 99. 

Beauty and Strength combined with Virtue and 
Piety how lovely in the sight of men how pleasing 
to heaven peculiaily pleasing because with every 
Temptation to deviate they voluntarily walk in the 
Path of Duty. 

Something there is more needful than expense 
And something- previous e'en to taste *tis sense 

" I'll live to-morrow** will a wise man say 
To-morrow is too late then live to-day 



Dash, Isfc.) PUNCTUATION. 127 

Gripus has lonj^ been ardently endeavouring to fill 
his Chest and lo it is now full is he happy and does 
lie use it Does he gratefully think of the Giver of 
all ii^ood Things Does he distribute to the Poor Alas 
these Interests have no IMace in his breast 

What is theie in all the pomp of the world the 
Enjoyments of Luxury the Gratification of Passion 
comj)arable to tlie tranquil Delight of a good Con- 
science 

To lie down on the Pillow after a Day spent in 
Temperance in beneiicence and in piety how sweet 
it is 

We wait till to-morrow to he Happy alas Why 
not ro-day Shall we be younger Are we sure we 
shall be healthier Will our passions become feebler 
and 9ur' love of the world less 

S^\vA.i shadow ran be moie vain than the life of a 
!j;reat Part of Mankind Of all that eager and bust- 
ling Croud which we behold on Earth how few dis- 
cover the path of true Hajjpiness How few can we 
find whose Activity has not been misemployed and 
whose Course terminates not in confessions of Dis- 
appointments 

On the one Hand are the Divine Approbation 
and inimiu'tal Honour on the other remember and 
beware are the stings of Conscience and endless In- 
famy 

As in riper Years all unseasonable Returns to the 
Levity of Youth ought to be avoided an Admonition 
which equally belongs to both the Sexes still more 
are we to guard against those intemperate Indul- 
gences of Pleasure to which the young are unhap- 
pily prone 

The bliss of man could pride that blessing- find 
Is not to act or think beyond mankind 
Or why so long ni life if long- can be 
T.ent lleav*n a parent to the poor and me 



128 EXKUcisKH. ( Froniiacur.i:'. 

CHAP. vr. 

Promisciious examples of defective Fundnation, 
SECT. I. 

EXAMPLES IN PROSE, 

See the Key, p. 100. 

AVhen Socrates was asked what man approaclicd 
the nearest to perfect happiness he answered That 
Man who has the fewest wants 

She wlio studies her Glass nei^lects her heart 

Between Passion and Lying there is not a Fin- 
ger's breadth 

The freer we feel ourselves in the Presence oT 
others the more free are they he who is free makes 
fiee 

Addison has remaked with equal Piety and Truth 
that the Creation is a perpetual Feast to the Mind 
of a Good Man 

He who sliuts out all evasion when he promises 
loves ti-uth 

Tlie laurels of the Warrior are dyed in Blood 
and bedewed with tiie Tear^ of the Widow and the 
Orj)han 

Between Fame and trne Honour a Distinction is 
to be made The former is a loud and noisy Applause 
the latter a more silent and internal Homage Fame 
floats on the Breath of the Multitude Honour rests 
on the Judgment of the Thinking Fame may give 
I'raise while it withholds Esteem true Honour im- 
plies Esteem mingled with respect The one regards 
Particular distinguished Talents the other looks up 
to the whole character 

There is a certain species of religion if we can 
^ive it that Name which is placed wholly in Specu- 



Promiscuous: J punctuation. 129 

lation and Belief in the Rej^ularity of external Ho- 
mage or in fiery Zeal about contested Opinions 

Xenoi)haiies who was reproached with being ti- 
mojous because he would not venture his Money in 
a Game of Dice made this manly and sensible Reply 
I confess I am exceedingly timorous for I dare not 
commit an evil Action 

He loves nobly I spernk of Friendship who is not 
jealous when he has Partners of love 

Our happiness consists in the pursuit much more 
than in the Attainment of any Temporal Good 

Let me repeat it He only is Great who has the 
Hp^bits of Greatness 

Prosopopoeia or Personification is a Rhetorical 
Figure by which we attribute Life and Action to 
inanimate objects as the Ground tiiirsts for Rain the 
Earth smiles with Plenty 

The proper and rational Conduct of Men with 
Regard to Futurity is regulated by two Considera- 
tions First that much of What it contains must re- 
main to us absolutely Unknown Next that there are 
also some Events in it which may be certainly 
known and foreseen 

The Gardens of the World produce only decidu- 
ous ilo\\ers Perennial onew must be souglit in the 
Delightfal Regions Above Roses without Thorns 
are the growth of Paradise alone 

How many Rules and maxims of Life might be 
spared could we fix a principle of Virtue within and 
inscribe the living Sentiment of the love of God m 
the affections He who loves righteousness is Master 
of all the distinctions in Morality 

He v\ho from the Benignity of his Nature erected 
this Woj'ld for the abode of Men He who furnished 
it so ri( Illy for our accommodation and stored it 
with so much Beauty for our Entertainment He who 
since first we entered into Life hath followed us 
with such a Variety of Mercies this Amiable and 



130 EXERCISES. ( Fromiscuous. 

BeneBcent Being surely can have no pleasure in our 
Disappointment and distress He knows our Frame 
he remembers we are dust and looks to frail Man 
we are assured with such Pity as a Father beartth 
to his children 

ne of the first Lessons both of Religion and of 
"Wisdom is to moderate our Expectations and liopes 
and iK»t to set forth on the Voyage of Life like Men 
who expect to be always carried forward with a 
favourable Gale Let us be satisfied if the path we 
tread be easy and smooth though it be not strewed 
with Flowers 

Providence never intended that the Art of living 
hajjpily in this World should depend on that deep 
Penetration that acute sagacity and those Refine- 
ments of Thought which few possess It has dealt 
more graciously with us and made happiness depend 
on Uprightness of Intention much more than on 
ExtjMit of Capacity 

Most of our Passions flatter us in their Rise But 
their Beginnings are treacherous their Growth is 
imperceptible and the Evils which they caiTy in 
their Train lie concealed until their Dominion is 
established What Solomon says of one of them holds 
true of them all that their Beginning is as when one 
letteth out Water It issues from a small Chink which 
once might have been easily stopped but being ne- 
glected it is soon widened by tbe Stream till the 
Bank is at last totally thrown down and the Flood 
is at Liberty to deluge the whole plain 

Prosperity debilitates instead of strengthening the 
Mind Its most common effect is to create an extreme 
sensibility to the slighest Wound It foments impa- 
tient Desires and raises Expectations which no Suc- 
cess can satisfy It fosters a false Delicacy which 
sickens in the midst of Indulgence By repeated 
Gratification it blunts the feelings of Men to what 
is pleasing and leaves the unhappily acute to what- 



Promiscuous.) punctuation, 1^1 

evefi' is uneasy Hence the Gale wliich another would 
scarcely feel is to the prosperous a rude Tempest 
Hence the Rose-leaf tloubled below them on the 
Couch as it is told of the effeminate Sybarite breaks 
their Rest Hence the Disrespect sho>^n byMordccai 
preyed with such Violence on the Heart of Haman 

Anxiety is the Poison of Human Life It is the 
Parent o; many Sins and of more Miseries In a 
World where evei'y thing is so doubtful where we 
may succeed in our Wish and be miserable where 
we may be disappointed and be blest in the Disap* 
pointmcTit what mean tliis restless Stir and Commo- 
tion of Mind Can our Solicitude alter the Course or 
unravel ti»e Intricacy of Human Events Can our Cu- 
riosity pierce tlirough the Cloud which the Supreme 
Being Kath made impenetrable to Mortal Eye 

No situation is so remote and no Station so unfa- 
vourable as to ()rec!ude access to the happiness of a 
future State A Road is opened by the Divine Spirit 
to those blissful Habitations from all Corners of the 
Earth and from all Conditions of Human Life from 
tiie peopled City and from the solitary Desert from 
the Cottages of the Poor and from the Palaces of 
Kings from the Dwellings of Ignorance and Simpli- 
city and from the Regions of Science and Improve- 
raent 

The Scenes whicli present themselves at our enter- 
ing ujwn the World are commonly flattering What- 
ever they be in themselves the lively Spirits of the 
YouHg gild every opening Prospect The Field of 
Hope appears to stretch wide before them Pleasure 
seems to put forth its Blossoms on every Side Im- 
pelled by Desire forward they rush with inconside- 
rate Ardour prompt to decide and to choose averse 
to hesitate or to Inquire credulous because untaught 
by Experience rash because unacquainted with Dan- 
ger headstrong because unsubtlued by Disai)point- 
ment Hence arise the Perils to which they are e^- 



132 EXERCISES. (Projtiiscif<rju.-i. 

posed and which too often from Want of Attention 
to faithful Admonition precipitate them into Rain 
irretrievable 

By the unhappy Excesses of Irregular Pleasure in 
Youth how many amiable Dispositions are corrupt- 
ed or destroyed Ho vv many lisinu; Capacities and 
Powers are suj>pt'essed How many flattering HoHjes 
of Parents and Friends are totally extinguished W lio 
but must drop a Tear over Human Nature whea he 
beholds that Morning which arose so bright rt"ver- 
cast with such untimely Darkness that Sweetness 
of Temper which once engaged many Hearts that 
Modesty which was so prepossessing those x\bilitirs 
which promised extensive Usefulness all sacrificed 
at the Shrine of low Sensuality and one who was 
formed for passing through Life in the midst of 
Public Esteem cut off by his Vi(!es at the Beo;inning^ 
of his Course or sunk for the whole of it into Insig- 
nificance and Contempt These O sinful Pleasure 
are thy Trophies It is thus that co-operalritig with 
the foe of God and Man thou degradest Human 
Honour and blastest the opening Prospects of Hu* 
man Felicity. 



P7'Q mis emus.) PUNCTUATION. 

SECT. II. 

E3;»AMPLES IN POETRY. 

§ee the Key, p. 105. 



Where thy true treasure Gold says not in me 
And not in me the Diamond Gold is poor 

The scenes of business tell us what are men 
The scenes of pleasure what is all beside 

Wo then apart if wo apart can be 
From mortal man and fortune at our nod 
The gay rich great triumphant and august 
What are they The most happy strange to say 
Convince me most of human misery 

All this dread order break for whom for thee 
Vile worm O niadness pride impiety 

Man like the generous vine supported lives 

The strength he gains is from the embrace he gives 

Know nature s children all devide her care 
The fur that warms a monarch warm d a bear 
While man exclaims see all things for my use 
See man for mine replies a pamper d goose 
Apd just as short of reason he must fall 
Who thinks all made for one not one for all 

The Almighty from his throne on earth surveys 
Nought greater than an honest humble heart 
An humble heart his residence pronouncd 
His second seat 

Bliss there is none but un precarious bliss 
That is the gem sell all and purchase that 
Why go a begging to contingencies 
Not gain d ~wiih ease nor safely lov d if gain d 

N 



iS4 EXERCISES. ( Promiscuou 

There Is a time when toil must be preferr d 
Or joy by mistim d fondness is undone 
A man of pleasure is a man of pains 



Thus nature gives us let it check our pride 
The virtue nearest to our vice allied 



See the sole bliss Heavn could on all bestow 
Which who but feels can taste but thinks can know 
Yet poor with fortune and with learning- blind 
The bad must miss the good untaught will find 



Whatever is is right This world tis true 

Was made for Cgesar but for Titus too 

And which more blest who chaiu d his country say" 

Or he whose virtue sigh d to lose a Day 



The first sure symptom of a mind in health 
Is rest of heart and pleasure felt at liome 



True happiness resides in things unseen 
No smiles of fortune ever bless the bad 
Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy 



Oh the dark days of vanity while liere 
How tasteless and how terrible when gone 
Gone they ne er ^o when past they haunt us j 



Father of light and life Thou good supreme 

Oh teach me what is good Teach me thyself 

Save me from folly vanity and vice 

From ev ry low pursuit and feed my soul 

With knowledge conscious peace and virtue pure 

Sacred substantial never fading bliss 



If [ am right thy grace impart 
Still in the right to stay 

If I am wrong O teach my heart 
To find that better wav 



Promiscuous. J ruxcTUATiON'. 1^5 

Save me alike from foolish pride 

Or impious discontent 
At aught thy wisdom has denied 

Oi- aug-ht thy goodness lent 



O lost to virtue lost to manly thought 
Lost to the noble sallies of the soul 
Who thinks it solitude to be alone 
Communion sweet communion large and high 
Our reason guardian angel and our God 
Then nearest these when others most remote 
And all ere long shall be remote but these 



God loves from whole to parts but human soul 

Must rise from individual to the whole 

Self love hut serves the virtuous mind to wake 

As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake 

The centre inov'd a circle straight succeeds 

Another still and still another spreads 

Friend parent neighbour first it will embrace 

His country next and next all human race 

Wide and more wide the o erflowings of the mind 

Take ev ry creature in ofevry kind 

Earth smiles around with boundless bounty blest] 

And heav n beholds its image in his breast 



Happiness. 



Know then this truth enough for man to know 

Virtue alone is happiness below 

The only point where human bliss stands still 

And t.istes the good without the fall to ill 

W'l ) • only merit constant- pay receives 

Is bl?st in what it lake* and what it gives 

The joy nnequall d if its end it gain 

And if it I' se attended with no pain 

Witiiout satiety tho e er so blest 

And but more relish d as the more distress d 



136 EXERCISES. CPromiscuouffif 

The broadest mirth unfeeling folly wears 
Less pleasing far then virtue s very tears 
Good from each object from each place acquir d 
For ever exercis d yet never tir d 
Never elated while one man s oppress d 
Never dejected while another s blest 
And where no wants no wishes can remain 
Since but to wish more virtue is to gain 



Gratitude, 



When all thy mercies O my God 

My rising soul surveys 
Transported with the view I m lost 

In wonder love^and praise 



Oh how shall words with equal warmth 

The gratitude declare 
That gl(jws' within my ravish d heart 

Bat thou canst read it there 



Thy providence my life sustain d 
And all my wants redress d 

When in the silent womb I lay 
And hung upon the breast 



To all my weak complaii>ts and cries 

I liy mercy lent an ear 
Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt 

To form themselves in pray r 



Unnumber d comforts to my soul 
Thy tender care bestow d 

Before my infant heart conceiv d 
From whom those comforts flow d 



When in the slipp ry paths of youth 
With heedless step's [ ran 

Thine arm unseen convey d me safe 
And led me up to man 



Promiscuous.) PUNcxuAiiON. 137 

Through hidden dang-ers toils and death 

It g-ently clear d my way 
And throug-h the pleasing snares of vice 

More to be fear d than they 



When worn with sickness oft hast thou 

With health renew d my face 
And when in sin and sorrow sunk 

Reviv d my soul with grace 

Thy bounteous hand witli worldly bliss 

Has made my cup run o er 
And in a kind and faithful friend 

Has doubled all my store 

Ten thousand thousand precious gifts 

My daily thanks employ 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart 

That tastes those gifts with joy 

Through every period of my life 

Thy goodness 1 11 pursue 
And after death in distant worlds 

The glorious theme renew 

When nature fails and day and night 

Divide thy works no more 
My ever grateful heart O Lord 

Thy mercy shall adore 

Through all eternity to thee 

A joyful song 1 11 raise 
For O eternity s too short 

To utter all thy praise 

The Voyage of life. 

S«lf flatter d unexperienc d high in hope 

When young with sanguine cheer and streamers gay 

We cut our cable launch into the world 

And fondly dream each wind and star our friend 



138 EXERciSEij. ( Promiacuoua, 

All in some darling enterprise embark d 
But where is he can fathom its event 
Amid a multitude of artless hands 
Ruin s sure perquisite her lawful prize 
Some steer arig-ht but the black blast blows hard 
And puffs them wide of hope With hearts of proof 
Full against wind and tide some win their way 
And when strong effort has deserv d the port 
And tugg d it into view tis won tis lost 
Though strong their oar still stronger is their fate 
They strike and while they triumph they expire 
In stress of weather most some sink outright 
O er them and o er their names the billows close 
To morrow knows not they were ever born 
Others a short memorial leave behind 
T.ike a flag floating when the bai'k s ingulf d 
It floats a moment and is seen no more 
One Caesar lives a thousand are forg'ot 
How/ew favour d by ev ry element 
With swelling sails make good the promis d poil. 
With all their wishes freighted Yet ev n these 
Freighted with all their wishes soo.n complain 
Free from misfortune not from nature free 
They still are men and when is man secure 
As fatal time as stonn The rush of years 
Beats down their strength their numberless escape- 
In ruin end and now their proud success 
But plants new terrors on the victor s brow 
What pain to quit the world just made their own 
Their nests so deeply down d and built so high 
Too low they build who build beneath the star^ 



PART T. 

EXEKCJSES TO PROMOTE PERSPICUOUS AND'ACCUr 
RATE WRITING. 

First, with respect to single words and phrases. 



CHAP. I. 

Containing violations of the Rules of Purity. 

Grammar, p, 250. Key, p. 110. 

We should be employed dailily in doing good. 

It irks me to see so perverse a disposition. 

I wot not who has done this thing. 

He is no way thy inferior ; and, in this instance. 
is no ways to blame. 

The assistance was welcome, and timelily afforded. 

For want of employment, he stroamed idly about 
he fields. 

We ought to live soberly, righteously, and godli- 
ly in the world. 

He was long indisposed, and at length died of the 
hyp. 

That word follows the general rule, and takes the 
penult accent. 

He was an extra genius, and attracted much at- 
tention. 

The hauteur of Florio was very disgracious, and 
disgusted both his friends and strangers. 

He charged me with want of resolution, in the 
which he was greatly mistaken. 

They have manifested great candidness in all the 
ransaction: 



140 EXEUciSEs. (Purity, 

The naturalness of the thought greatly recom- 
mended it* 

The importance^ as well as the authenticalness of 
the books, has been cleaily displayed. 

It is difficult to discover the spirit and intendment 
of some laws. 

The disj)ositiori w'lich he exhibited, was both un- 
natural and incomfortable^ 

His natural severity rendered him a very inpopu- 
lar speaker. 

The disquietness of his mind, made his station and 
wealth far from being enviable. 

I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now 
gladiier resign it. 

These are the things highliest important to the 
growing age. 

It grieveth me to look over so many blank leaves, 
in the book of my life. 

It repenteth me that I have so long walked in the 
paths of folly. 

Methinks I am not mistaken in an opinion, which 
I have so well considered. 

They thought it an important subject, and the 
question was strenuously debated pro and con. 

Thy speech bewrayeth thee ; for thou art a Gali- 
lean. 

Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which 
may injure our neighbour : peradventure they are 
the offspring of calumny, or misapprehension. 

The gardens were void of simplicity and elegance; 
and exhibited much that was glaring and bizarre. 



Propriety.) perspiguitv, Sec 141 

CHAP. II. 

Containing violations of the Rules of Propriety. 

Grammar, p. 251. Key, p. 112. 

SECT. I. 

Avoid low expressions. 

I HAD as lief do it myself, as persuade anothei' 
to do it. 

Of the justness of his measures he convinced his 
opponent by dint of argument. 

He is not a whit better than those whom he so li- 
berally condemns. 

He stands upon security, and will not liberate him 
till it be obtained. 

The meaning of the phrase, as I take it, is very 
different from the common acceptation. 

The favourable moment should be embraced ; for 
he does not hold long in one mind. 

He exposed himself so much amongst the people, 
that he had like to have gotten one or two broken 
heads. 

He was very dexterous in smelling out the views 
and designs of others. 

If his education was but a little taken care of, he 
might be very useful amongst his neighbours. 

He might have perceived, with half an eye, the 
difficulties to which his conduct exposed him. 

If I happen to have a little leisure upon my hands 
to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit. 

This performance is much at one with the other. 

The scene was new, and he was seized with won- 
derment at all he saw. 



142 EXERCISES. [Fr-firittK. 

SECT. IL 

Supplij words that are wanting. 
Gpammar, p. 252. Key, p. 112, 

Let us consider the works of nature and art, with 
proper attention. 

He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the 
soul and hody. 

Some productions of nature rise in value, accord- 
ing as they more or less resemble those of art. 

The Latin tongue, in its purity, was never in this 
island. 

For some centuries, there was a constant inter- 
course between France and England, by the domi- 
nions we possessed there, and the conquests we 
made. 

He is impressed with a true sense of that func- 
tion, when chosen from a regard to the interests of 
piety and virtue. 

The wise and foolish, the virtuous and the vile, 
the learned and ignorant, the temperate and pro- 
fligate, must often, like the wheat and tares, be 
blended together. 

SECT. in. 

In the same sentence^ be careful not to use the same 
word too JrequtntUj, nor in different senses. 

Grammar, p. 252 Key, p. 113. 

An eloquent speaker may give more, but cannot 
give more convincing arguments, than this plain 
man offered. 

They were persons of very moderate intellects, 
eve<i before they were impaired by their passions. 

True wit is nature dressed to advantage ; and yet 
some works have more wit tlian does t!iem good. 

The -harks, who prey upon the inadvertency of 
young harSf are more pardonable than those, wha 



■profiriety.J perspicuity, &c. 143 

trespass upon the good opinion of those, who treat 
them with ,^reat confidence and respect. 

Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselves, 
and to violate no right or privilege of our neigh- 
bour: it leads us to support the feeble, to relieve 
the distressed, and to scorn to be governed by de- 
grading and injurious passious : and yet we see 
honour is the motive which urges the destroyer to 
take the life of his friend. 

He will be always with von to support and com- 
fort you, and in some nieasure to succeed your la- 
bours ; and he will also be with all his faithful mi- 
nisters, who shall succeed you in his service. 



■ SECT. lY. 
Jivoid the hijudidous use of technical terms.* 

Grammar, p. 253. Key, p. 114. 

Most of our hands were asleep in their birtli*v. 
when the vessel shipped a sea, that carried away our 
pinnace and binnacle. Our dead lights were in, or 
we should have hlled. The mainmast was so 
sprung, that we were obliged to fish it, and bear 
away for Lisbon. 

Tiie book is \evj neatly printed : the scale-board- 
ing is ample and regular, and the register exact. 

* The examples under this section, and perhaps a few others 
in different parts of the book, may be too difficult for learnei-s 
to correct without assistance; but as some illustration of the 
rules to wiiicU they relate, was requisite, they could not proper- 
ly be omitted. By an attentive perusal of them, and a subse- 
quent application to the Teacher, or to the Key, the scholar will 
perceive the nature of the rule, and the mode in which simila 
errors may be rectified. 



144 EXERCISES, [Profiriety. 

SECT. V. 

Avoid equivocal or ambiguous words. 
Grammar, p. 253. Key, p. 114. 

When our friendship is considered, how is it pos- 
sible that I should not grieve for his loss? 

The eagle killed the hen, and eat her in her own 
nes'. 

It may be justly said, that no laws are better thaii 
the English. 

The pretenders to polish and refine the English 
language, have chiefly multiplied abuses and absur- 
dities. 

The English adventurers, instead of reclaiming 
the natives from their uncultivated manners, were 
gradually assimilated to the ancient inhabitants^ and 
degenerated from the customs of their own nation. 

It has been said that not only Jesuits can equi- 
vocate. 

You will not think that these people, when in- 
jured, have the least right to our protection. 

Solomon the son of David, who built the temple 
of Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reignetl 
over the Jewish people. 

Solomon the son of David, who was persecuted 
by Saul, was the richest monarch of the Jews. 

It is certain that all words whicli are signs qf 
complex ideas, may furnish matter of mistake and 
cavil. 

Lisias promised to his father^ never to abandon 
his friends. 

The Divine Being heapeth favours on his ser^ 
vants, ever liberal and faithful. 

Every well instructed scribe, is like a householder, 
who bringeth out of his treasure things new and old. 

He was willing to spend a hundred or two pounds 
rather than be enslaved. 

Dryden makes a very handsome observation, on 



ProJiricty.J teiispicuity, Sec 145 

Ovid's writing a letter from Dido to Jineas, in tlie 
following words. 

ImpiUident associations disqualify us for the iir- 
struction or reproof of others. 

SECT. VI. 

Wroid ■unintelligible i and inconsistent words and 

phrases. 

Grammar, p. 253. Key, p. 116. 

I seldom see a noble building or any great piece 
rtf magnificence and pomp, but 1 think, how little 
is all this to satisfy the ambitiou, or to fill the idea, 
of an immortal vsoul. 

A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says; 

Yet wlien that flood in its own depti was drown'd, 
It left behind it false and slipp'ry ground. 

The author of the Spectator says, that a man is 
not qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal of 
wit and vivacity, even in the ridiculous side of his 
character. 

And Beaaleei made the lavel of brass, and the 
foot of it of brass, of the looking-glasses of the 
Momen. 

And in the lowest deep, a lower deep 
Still threat'ning to devour me, opens wide. 

SECT. VII. 

Avml all such words and phrases, as are not adapt- 
ed to the idea,s yoii niean to communicate : or which 
are less signijicant than oilier s, of those ideas* 

Grammar, p. 256. Key, p. 116. 

No less than two hundred scholars have been 
educated in that school. 

The attempt, however laudable, was found to bo 
impracticable. 

O 



146 EXERCisEii* (Profiriety 

He is ou** mutual benefactor, and deserves our 
respect and .hedience. 

Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sen- 
sible object to the mind, instead of an intelligible 
one. 

They broke down the banks, and the country was 
soon overflown. 

The garment was decently formed, and sown very 
neatly. 

The house is a cold one, for it has a north ex- 
position. 

The proposition, for eacli of us to relinquish 
somethin.e:, was complied with, and produced a cor- 
dial reronrHcMient. 

Though learn'd, wellbved; and though well bred, s'm- 
Modestly bold, and humanly severe. 

A fop is a risible character, in every one's view 
but his own. 

An action that excites laughter, without any mix- 
ture of contempt, may be called a ridiculous action. 

It is difficult for him to speak three sentences 
together. 

By this expression, I do not intend what some 
persons annex to it. 

The negligence of timely precsHition was the 
<:ause of this great loss. 

All the sophism which has been employed, can- 
not obscure so plain a truth. 

Disputing should always be so managed, as ta i^^r- 
member that the only end of it is truth. 

My friend was so ill that he could not set up at 
all, but was obliged to lay continually in bed. 

A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the 
Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a num- 
ber of cats and other animals, which were worship- 
ped by those people, A reverence for these phan- 



Profiriety,) perspicuity, <Scc. U7 

toms, made the Egyptians lie down thcu' arms, and 
becoijie Ai\ eas) con {ueM. 

Tiie presence of the Deity, and the interest such 
an august cause is supposed to take in our c;).ieeru:s, 
is a source of consojaiiou. 

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of 
the hail, and were set down together, Peter set 
down among them. 

By the shivish disposition of the senate and peo- 
ple of Rome, under the emperors, the wit and elo- 
quence oi the age were wholly turned into pane- 
gyric. 

The refreshment came in seasonably, befoie they 
were laid down to rest. 

We speak that we do know, and testify that we 
have seen. 

They shall flee as the eagle that hasteth to eat. 

The wicked fly when no man pursueth : hut the 
righteous are bold as a lion. 

A creature of a more exalted kind 

"Was wanting" yet, and then was man design'd. 

He died with violence; for he was killed by a 
sword. 

He had scarcely taken the medicine, than he be- 
gan to feel himself relieved. 

No place and no object appear to him void of 
beauty. 

When we fall into a persons conversation, tlie first 
thing we should consider, is, the intention of it. 

Galileo discovered the telescope ; Hervey invent- 
ed the circulation of the blood. 

Philip found an obstacle to the managing of the 
Athenians, from the nature of their dispositions ; but 
the eloquence of Bemosthenes was tiie greatest dif- 
ficulty in his designs. 

A hermit is rigorous in his life ; a judge, austtre 
in his sentences. 



148 EXERCISES. ( Precisiaiu 

A candid man avows his mistake, and is forgiven ; 
a patriot acknowledges his opposition to a bad mi- 
nister, and is applauded. 

We have enlarged our family and expenses ; and 
increased our garden and fruit orchard. 

By proper reflection, we may be taught to men/l 
what is erroneous and defective. 

The good man is not overcome by disappoint- 
ment, when that which is mortal passes away ; when 
that which is mutable, dies ; and when that which 
he knew to be transient, begins to change. 

CHAP. III. 

Containing violatioiis of the Rules of Precision. 
Grammar, p. 257. Key, p. 119. 

This great politician desisted from, and re- 
nounced his designs, when he found tlicm impracti- 
cable. 

He was of so high and independent a spirit, that 
he abhorred and detested being in debt. 

Though raised to an exalted station, she was a 
pattern of piety, virtue, and religion. 

Tlie human body may be divided into the head, 
trunk, limbs, and vitals. 

His end soon approached ; and he died with great 
courage and fortitude. 

He was a man of so much pride and vanity, that 
he despised the sentiments of others. 

Poverty induces and cherishes dependence ; and 
dependence strengthens and increases corruption. 

This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors 
with great haughtine.ss and disdain. 

There can be no regularity or order in the life 
and conduct of that man, who does not give and 



Precision,) perspicuity, £cc. Ml* 

allot a due share of his time, to retirement and rer 
flection. 

Such equivocal and ambiguous expressions, mark 
^ formed intention to deceive and abuse us. 

His cheerful, happy temper, remote from discon- 
tent, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, ex- 
cludes every gloomy prospect, and ills it with a 
steady and perpetual serenity. 



02 



i50 EXERCISES. (Clearness, 

Secondly Exercises to -promote perspicuity and 
accuracy^ with respect to the construction oj Sen- 
tences, 



CHAP. I. 

Ountahdng sentences in which the Rules of Clearness 
are violated, 

Oi ammar, p. 263. Key, p. 120. 

SECT. I. 

In the position of Adverbs, 

Hence the impossibility appears, that an under- 
taking manas^ed so, should prove succcssru!. 

May not we here say with the poet, tliat ** virtue 
is its own reward ?" 

Had he died before, would not then tiiis art have 
been wholly unknown? 

Not to exasperate him, I only spoke a very few 
words. 

The works of art receive a great advantage from 
the resemblance which they have to those of nature, 
because here t!»e similitude is not only pleasant, but 
the pattern is perfect. 

It may be proper to give some account of those 
practices, anciently used on such occasions, and only 
discontinued through the neglect and degeneracy of 
later times. 

Sixtus the fourth was, if I mistake not, a great 
collector of books at least. 

If Louis XIV. was not the greatest king, he was 
the best actor of majesty, at least, that ever filled f\ 
tkrone. 



FKllSriLUJ I'Y, 



These forms of conversatioii, by dogree.g imilti- 
plied and grew troublesome. 

Noi' does this fal.se modesty ex}>ose us j^Jy to 
such actions as are indiscreet, but ycvy often to sucLr 
as are highly criminal. 

By greatness I do not only mean t})e bulk of any 
single object, but the larireness of a whole view. 

I was engaged formerly in that business, but I 
never shall be again concerned in it. 

We do those things frequently, which we repent 
of afterwards. 

fey doing the same thing, it often becomes ha- 
bitual. 

Most nations, not even excepting the Jews, were 
prone to idolatry. 

Raised to greatness without merit, he employed 
his power for the gratification solely of his passions. 

SECT. II. 

Ill the position of circumstances, and of particular 
members. 

Gramma;-, p. 263. Key, p, 121. 

The embarrassments of the artificers, rendered 
the progress very slow of the work. 

He found the place replete with wonders, of 
which he proposed to solace himself with the ccm- 
templation, if he should never be able to accomplish 
his flight. 

They are now engaged in a study, of which they 
have long wished to know the usefulness. 

This was an undertaking, which in the execution, 
proved as impracticable, as had turned out every 
other of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes. 

He thought that the presbyters would soon be- 
come more dangerous to the magistrates, than had 
ever been the prelatical clerg}^ 

Frederick, seeing it was impossible to trust, with 



i52 i^xERClsES. (Clearness. 

safety, his life in their hands, was obliged to take 
the Mahometans for his guard. 

The emperor refused to convert at once, the truce 
into a definitive treaty. 

However, the miserable remains were, in the 
night, taken down. 

I have settled the meaning of those pleasures of 
the imagination, which are the subject of my pre- 
sent undertaking, by way of introduction, in this 
paper; and endeavour to recommend the pursuit 
of those pleasures to my readers, by several con- 
siderations: I shall examine tlie several sources 
from whence these pleasures are derived, in my 
next paper. 

Sir Francis Bacon, in his Essays upon Health, has 
not thought it improper to prescribe to his reader a 
poem, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades 
him from knotty and subtle disquisitions; and ad- 
vises him to pursue studies that fill the mind with 
splendid and illustrious objects, as history, poety, 
and contemplations of nature. 

If the English reader would see the notion ex- 
plained at large, he may find it in Locke's Essay on 
the Human Understanding. 

Fields of corn form a pleasant prospect ; and if 
the walks were a little taken care of that lie between 
them, they would display neatness, regularity, and 
elegance. 

Though religion will indeed bring us under some 
restraints, they are very tolerable, and not only so, 
but desirable on the whole. 

I have confined myself to those methods for the 
advancement of piety, which are in the power of a 
prince, limited like ours, by a strict execution of 
the laws. 

This morning, when one of the gay females was 
looking over some hoods and ribands, brought by her 



icarnest;.! perspicuity, «c. l5o 

tire\voniai),\\itli great care and diligence, I employed 
no less in examining the box wliich contained them. 

Since it is necessary that there should he a perpe- 
t!!al intercourse of buying and selling, and dealing 
upon credit, where fraud is permitted or connived at, 
or has no law to punish it, the honest dealer is often 
undone, and the knave gets the advantage. 

Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to 
every subject, we ought to avoid its contrary, oh 
every occasion, a languid redundancy of words. It 
is proper to be copious sometimes, but never to be 
verbose, 

A monarchy, limited like ours, may be placed, for 
aught I know, as it has been often represented, just 
in the middle point, from whence a deviation leads, 
on the one hand, to tyranny, and on the other, to 
anarchy. 

Having already shown how the fancy is affected 
by the works of nature, and afterwards considered, 
in general, both the works of nature and of art, how 
they mutually assist and complete each other, in 
forming such scenes and prospects as are most apt 
to delight the mind of the beholders ; I shall in this 
paper throw together some reflections, &c. 

Let but one great, brave, disinterested, active man 
arise, and lie will be received, venerated, and fol- 
lowed. 

Ambition creates seditions, wars, discords, hatred, 
and shiness. 

The scribefi made it their profession to teach and 
to study the law of Moses. 

Sloth pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils, 
and saps the foundation of every virtue. 

The ancient laws of Rome were so far from suf- 
fering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they 
would not allow him to be bound, or even to be 
whipped. 



^4 EXERCISES. (Clearness, 

His labours to acquire knowledj^e have been prd- 
tluctive of great satisfaction and succpss. 

He was a man of the greatest prudence, virtue, 
justice, and modesty. 

His favour or disapprobation was governed by 
the failure or success of enteiprise. 

He did every thing in ){is power to serve his be- 
nefactor ; and had a grateful sense of the benefits 
received. 

Many persons give evident proof, that eidier they 
do not feel the power of the principles of religion, 
or that they do not believe them. 

As the guilt of an officer will be greater than tliat 
of a common servant, if he prove negligent ; so the 
reward of his fidelity will proportionably be greater. 

The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious 
man's strength. It inspires his zeal. It attaches 
his heart to religion. It accelerates his progress -, 
and supports his constancy. 

SECT. III. 

In the disposition of the relative 'pronouns who, 
w^hich, what, whose, and of all those particles^ which 
exvress the connexion of the parts of speech with one 
another. 

Grammar, p. 266. Key, p. 124. 

These are the master's rules, who must be obeyed. 

They attacked Northumberland's house, whom 
they put to death. 

He laboured to involve his minister in ruin, who 
had been the author of it. 

It is true what he says, but it is not applicable to 
tJie point. 

The French marched precipitately as to an assur- 
ed victory ; whereas the English advanced very slow- 
ly and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great 
execution. When they drew near the archers, per- 



Clearness.) perspicuity, Sec. ioo 

ceiving that they were out of breath, they charged 
thelm with g;reat vigour. 

He w^as taking a view, from a window^ of the ca- 
thedral in Lichfield, where a party of the royalists 
had fortified themselves 

AVe no where meet with a more splendid or pleas- 
ing show in nature, than what appears in the heavens 
at the rising^and setting of the sun, which is wholly 
made up of those different strains of light, that show 
themselves in clouds of a different situation. 

There will be found a round million of creatures 
in human figure, throughout this kingdom, whose 
whole subsistence, ^c. 

It is the custom of the Mahometans, if they see 
any printed oi* w ritteii paper upon the grou^id, to 
take it up, and lay it aside carefully, as not know- 
ing but it may contain some piece of their Alcoran. 

The laws of nature are, truly, wh^it Lord Bacon 
styles Ms aphorisms, laws of laws. Civil laws arc 
always imperfect, and often false deductions from 
them, or applications of tliem ; nay, they stand, in 
many instances, in direct opposition to them. 

It has not a word, says Pope, but what the au- 
thor religiously thinks in it. 

Many act so directly contrary to this method, 
tliat from a habit of saving time and paper, which 
they acquired at the university, they write in so di- 
minutive a manner, that they can hardly read what 
they have written. 

Thus I have fairly given you my own opinion, as 
w ell as that of a great majority of both houses here, 
relating to this weighty affair; upon which 1 am 
confident you may securel}' reckon. 

If we trace a youth from the earliest period of 
life, who has been well educated, we shall perceive 
the wisdom of the maxims here recommended. 



EXERCISES. (Unity. 



CHAP. II. 

Containing sentence<i hi which the rules of Unity xtre 
violated. 

Grammar, p. 267. Key, p. 126. 

SECT. I. 

During the course of the sentence^ the scene shovld be 
changed as little as possible. 

A SHORT time after this injury, he came to him- 
^self ; and the next day, they put him on board a 
ship, which conveyed him first to Corinth, and 
thence to the island of JSgina. 

The Britons, daily harassed by cruel inroads firom 
the Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their 
defence ; who consequently reduced the greater 
part of the Island to their own power; drove the 
Britons into the most remote and mountainous part ; 
and the rest of the country, in customs, religion, and 
language, became wholly Saxons. 

By eagerness of temper, and precipitancy of in- 
dulgence, men forfeit all the advantages whicli 
patience would have procured ; and, by this means, 
the opposite evils arc incurred to their full extent. 

This prostitution of praise does not only affect 
the gross of mankind, who take their notion of cha- 
racters from the learned; but also the better sort 
must, by this means, lose some part at least of their 
desire of fame, when they find it promiscuously be" 
stow^ed on the meritorious and undeserving. 

All the precautions of prudence, moderation, and 
condescension, which Eumenes employed, were in- 
capable of mollifying the hearts of those barbarians, 
and of extinguishing their jealousy ; and he must 
have renounced his merit and virtue which occa- 
sioned it, to have been capable of ap])easing them- 



Unity.) rERSPicuiTY, &c. 157 

He who performs every employment in its due 
place and season, suffers no part of time to escape 
without profit ; and thus his days become multiplied ; 
and much of life is enjoyed in little space. 

Deside of pleasure usher in temptation, and the 
growth of disorderly passions is forwarded. 

SECT. II. 

We should never crowd into one sentence^ things 
which have so little connexion, that they could bear te 
he divided into two or three sentences. 

Grammar, p. 268. Key, p. 127. 

The notions of lord Sunderland were always 
good; but he was a man of great expense. 

In this uneasy state, both of his public and pri- 
vate life, Cicero was oppressed by a new and deep 
affliction, the death of bis beloved daughter TuUia^ 
which happened soon after her divorce from Dola- 
bella ; whose manners and Iiumours were entirely 
disagreeable to her. 

The sun approaching melts the snow, and break^s 
the icy fetters of the main, where vast sea-monsters 
pierce through floating islands, with arms which can 
withstand the crystal rock ; whilst others, that of 
themselves seem great as islands, are, by their bulk 
alone, armed against all but man, whose superiority 
over creatures of such stupendous size and force, 
should make him mindful of his privilege of reason ; 
and force him humbly to adore the great Composer 
of tliese wondrous frames, and the Author of his 
own superior wisdom. 

I single Strada out among the moderns, because 
he had the foolish presumption to censure Tacitus, 
and to write history himself; and my friend will for- 
give this short excursion in honour of a favourite 
writer. 

Boast not thyself of to-morrow; thou kiiowest 
P 



158 EXERCISES. (Unity, 

not what a clay may bring forth : and, for the same 
reason, despair not of to-morrow ; for it may bring 
forth good as well as evil ; which is a ground for 
not vexing thyself with imaginary fears ; for the im- 
pending black cloud, which is regarded with so 
much dread, may pass by harmless : or though it 
should discharge the storm, yet before it breaks, 
thou mayest be lodged in that lowly mansion which 
no storms ever touch. 

SECT. in. 

We should keep clear of all unnecessary parentheses* 

Grammar, p.. 270. Key, p. 128. 

Disappointments will often happen to the best 
and wisest men, (not through any imprudence of 
theirs, nor even througli the malice or ill design of 
others : but merely in consequence of some of tliose 
cross incidents of life which could not be foreseen,) 
and sometimes to the wisest and best concerted 
plans. 

Without some degree of patience exercised under 
injuries, (as offences and retaliations would succeed 
to one another in endless train,) human life would 
be rendered a state of perpetual hostility. 

Never delay till to-morrow, (for to-morrow is not 
yours ; and though you should live to enjoy it, you 
must not overload it with a burden not its own,) 
what reason and conscience tell you ought to be per- 
formed to-day. 

We must not imagine that there is, in true reli- 
gion, any thing v\hich overcasts the mind with sul- 
len gloom and melancholy austerity, (for false ideas 
may be entertained of religion, as false and imper- 
fect conceptions of virtue have often prevailed in 
the world,) or which derogates from that esteem 
which men are genei»ally disposed to yield to exem- 
plary virtues. 



Strength.) perspicuity, Sec. 159 

CHAP. in. 

Containing sentences y in which the rules for promoiins 
the Strength oj a sentence are violated. 

Grammar, p. 271. Key, p. 129. 

SECT. I. 

The first rule for promoting the strength of a 
sentence, is, to prune it of all redundant words and 
members. 

It is six months ago, since I paid a visit to my 
relations. 

Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment 
on the subject can be wisely formed. 

The reason why he acted in the manner he did, 
was not fully explained. 

If I were to give a reason for tlieir looking so 
"WT I, it would be because tlicy rise early. 

If I mistake not, I think he is improved, both in 
knowledge and behaviour. 

Those two boys appear to be both equal in capa* 
city. 

Wlienevcr lie sees me, he always inquires con- 
rerning his iriends. 

The reason of his conduct will be accounted for 
in the conclusion of tiiis narrative. 

I hope tliis is the last time that I shall ever act 
so imprudejitly 

The reascm of his sudden departuie, was on ac- 
count of the case not admitting of dtlay. 

The people gained nothing farther by this step. 
but only to suspend their mrdery. 

1 have here stipposed tl»attl>e iea<l» i is ac(niM?pted 
with that great modern discovery, vn hich is at present. 



i"6Q EXERCISES. (Strength 

universally acknowledged by all the hiquirers into 
natural philosophy. 

There are few words in the English languap^e, 
which are employed in a more loose and yncirciim- 
scribed sense, than those of the fancy and the ima- 
gination. 

I intend to make use of these words in the thread 
of my following speculations, that the reader may 
conceive rightly what is the subject upon which I 
proceed. 

Commend me to an argument that, like a flail* 
there is no fence against it. 

How many are there, by whona these tidings of 
good news were never heard ! 

These points have been illustrated in so plain and 
evident a manner, that the perusal of the book has 
given me pleas'wre and satisfaction. 

However clear and obvious the conduct which he 
ought to have pursued, he had not courage and re- 
solution to set about it. 

I was much moved on this occasion, and left the 
place full of a great many serious reflections. 

They are of those that rebel against the Light 
they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the 
paths thereof. 

This measure may afford some profit, and furnish 
some amusement. 

By a multiplicity and variety of words, the thoughts 
and sentiments are not set off and accommodated f 
But like David dressed out and equipped in Saul's 
armour, they are encumbered and oppressed. 

Although he was closely occupied with affairs 
of the nation, nevertheless he did not neglect the 
concerns of his friends. 

Whereas, on the other hand, supposing that se- 
crecy had b«en enjoined, his conduct was very cul- 
pable. 



^Strength.) perspicuity, Sec. 161 

Less capacity is required for this business, but 
more time is necessary. 

He (lid not mention Leonora, nor that her father 
was dead. 

The combatants encountered each other with sucli 
rage, that being eager only to assail, and thought- 
less of making any defence, they both fell dead upon 
the field together. 

I shall, in the first place, begin with remarking 
the defects, and shall then proceed afterwards to 
describe the excellencies, of this plan of education. 
Numberless orders of beings, which are to us un- 
known, people the wide extent of the universe. 

His extraordinary beauty w as sucb, that it struck 
observers with admiration. 

Thought and language act and re-act upon each 
other mutually. 

Their interests w^re dependent upon, and insepa- 
rably connected with each other. 

While you employ all the circumspection and vi- 
gilance w'hich reason can suggest, let your prayers, 
at the same time, continually ascend to heaven for 
support and aid. 

SECT. 11. 

The second rule for promoting the strength of a 
sentence, is^ to attend particularly to the use of co- 
pulatives, relatives, and all the particles empbyedfor 
transition and cunnejcion. 

Grammar, p. 274, Key, p. 131. 

Tub enemy said, I will pursue, and I will over- 
take, and 1 will divide the spoil. 

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest ; 
cold, heat, summer, winter^ day and night, shall 
not cease. 

A man should endeavour to make the sphere of 
his innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that he 
P2 



162 EXERCISES. (Strengt/i., 

may retii-e into them with safety, an<] find in theni 
such satisfaction as a wise man would not blush to 
take. Of this nature are those of imagination. 

The army was composed of Grecians, Carians, 
Ly clans, Pamphylians, and Phrygians. 

The body of this animal was strong, and propor- 
tionable, and beautiful. 

There is nothing which promotes knowledge more 
than steady application, and a habit of observation. 

Though virtue borrows no assistance from, yet it 
may often be accompanied by, the advantages of 
fortune. 

The knowledge he has acquired, and the habits of 
application he possesses, will probably render him 
very useful. 

Their idleness, and their luxury and pleasures, 
their criminal deeds, and their immoderate passions, 
and their timidity a 'd baseness of mind, have de- 
jected them to such a degree, as to make them wea- 
ry of life. 

I was greatly affected, insomuch that 1 was obliged 
to leave the place, notwithstanding that my as- 
sistance has been pressingly solicited. 

I strenuously opposed those measures, and it was 
not in my power to prevent them. 

I yielded to his solicitations, whilst I perceived 
the necessity of doing so. 

For the wisest purposes, Providence has designed 
our state to be chequered with pleasure and pain. 
In this manner let us receive U, and make the 
best of what is appointed to be our lot. 

In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind 
with useful knowledge, with good principles, and 
virtuous dispositions. And therefore they remain 
entire, when the days of trouble come. 

He had made considerable advances in knowledge, 
but he was very young, and laboured under several 
disadvantages. 



Strength.) perspicuity, &ftv .163 

SECT. III. 

The third rule for promoting the strength of a sen- 
tence, is, to dispose of the capital word or words, so 
that they matj make the greatest impressiaru 

Grammar, p. 277. Key, p. 132. 

I HAVE considered the subject with a good deal 
of attention, upon which 1 was desired to communi- 
cate my thoughts. 

Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable has, 
in any country, been made, seems doubtful. 

Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an in- 
terest in Him, who holds the reins of the whole crea- 
tion in his hands. 

Virgil, who has cast the whole system of platonic 
])hilosopl»y, so far as it relates to the soul of man, 
into beautiful allegories, in tlie sixth book of his 
JKncid, gives us the punishment, &c. 

And Philip the fourth was obliged, at last, to con- 
clude a peace, on terms repugnant to his inclination, 
to that of his people, to the interest of S])ain,and to 
that of all Europe, in the Pyrenean treaty. 

It appeal's that there arc, by a late calctilatian^ 
upwards of fifteen millions of inhabitants, in Great 
Britain and Ireland. 

And although persons of a virtuous and learned 
education, may be, and too often ai«, drawn bv the 
temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a large 
fortune, into some irregularities, when they come 
^rward into the great world, it is ever with relue- 
tance and compunction of mind, because their bias 
to virtue still continues. 

Were instruction an essential circumstance in epir" 
poetry, I doubt whether a sin ';le instance cou5(i ue 
given of this species of coiuposition, in any lan- 
guage. 

Some of our most eminent writers have ma<; 
ojf this platonic notion, as far as it regaitbi tin. 



164 EXERCISES. (Strength. 

sistence of our affections after death, with great 
beauty and strength of reason. 

Men of the best sense ha\e been touched, more 
or less, with these groundless horroi-s and presages 
of futurity, upon surveying the most indifferent 
works of nature. 

He that cometh in the name of the Lord, is 
blessed. 

Every one that puts on the appearance of good- 
ness, is not good. 

And Elias with Moses appeared to them. 
Where are your fathers? and do tlie prophets live 
for ever? 

We came to our journey's end at last with no 
small difficulty, after much fatigue, through deep 
roads and bad weather. 

Virgil has justly contested with Homer, the praise 
of ' 'jgment, but his invention remains y«t unri- 
valled. 

Let us employ our criticism on ourselves, instead 
of being critics on others. 

Let us implore superior assistance, for enabling us 
to act well our own part, leaving others to be judgr 
ed by Him who searcheth the heart. 

The vehemence of passion, after it has exercised 
its tyrannical sway for awiiile, may subside by 
degrees. 

This fallacious art debars us from enjoying life, 
instead of lengthening it. 

Indulging ourselves in imaginary enjoyments, of- 
ten deprives us of real ones. 

How will that nobleman be able to conduct him- 
self, when reduced to poverty, who was educated 
only to magnificence and pleasure ? 

It is highly proper that a man should be acquainted 
with a variety of things, of which the utility is above 
a child's comprehension : but is it necessary a child 



Strength) perspicuity. Sec. 165 

should learn every thing it behoves a man to know ; 
or is it even possible ? 

When they fall into sudden difficulties, they are 
less perplexed tfian others in the like circumstances ; 
and when they encounter dangers, they are less 
alarmed. 

For all your actions, you must hereafter .e^ive an 
account, and particularly for the employments of 
youth. 

SECT. IV. 

The fourth ride for promoting the strength of sen- 
tences, is that a weaker assertion or proposition should 
never come after a stronger one ; and thaU when our 
sentence consists of two membersj the longer should, 
generally, be the concluding one. 

Grammar., p. 279. Key, p. 134. 

Charity breathes long suffering to enemies, 
courtesy to strangers, habitual kindness to\tards 
friends. 

Gentleness ought to diff'use itself over our whole 
behaviour, to form our address, and regulate our 
speech. 

The propensity to look forward into life, is too 
often greatly abused, and immoderately indulged. 

The regular tenor of a virtuous and pious life, 
will prove the best preparation for immortality, for 
old age, and death. 

These rules are intended to teach young persons 
to write witii propriety, elegance, and perspicuity. 

Sinful pleasures blast the opening prospects of 
human felicity, and degrade human honour. 

In tiiis state of mind, every employment of life 
becomes an oppressive burden, and every object 
appears gloomy. 

They will acquire different views, applying to 
the honourable discharge of the Onictions of their 
s^taiion, and entering on a virtuous course of action. ■ 



166 EXKRCiSEs. (Strength. 

By the perpetual course of dissipation, in which 
sensualists are engaged ; by the riotous revel, and 
the midnight, or rather morning hours, to which 
they prolong their festivity; by the excesses which 
they indulge ; they debilitate their bodies, cut them- 
selves off from the comforts and duties of life, and 
wear out their spirits. 

SECT. V. 

Ji fifth rule for the strength of sentences, is to avoid 
concluding them with an adverb, a preposition, or any 
inconsiderable word. 

Grammar, p. 280, Key, p. 135. 

By what I have already expressed, the reader 
will perceive the business wliich I am to proceed 
upon. 

May the happy message be applied to us, in all 
the virtue, strength, and comfort of it! 

Generosity is a showy virtue, which many persons 
are very fond of. 

These arguments were, without hesitation, and 
with great eagerness, laid hold of. 

It is proper to be long in deliberation, but we 
should speedily execute. 

Form your measures with prudence; but all 
anxiety about the issue divest yourselves of. 

We are struck, we know not how, with the sym- 
meti'y of any thing we see ; and immediately ac- 
knowledge the beauty of an object, without inquir- 
ing into the particular causes and occasions of it. 

With Cicero's writings, these persons are more 
conversant, tlian with those of Demosthenes, who,-" 
by many degrees, excelled the other ; at least as an 
orator 

SECT. VI. 

d sixth rule relating to the strength oj a sentence 



Strength,') perspicuity, &.<:. Id7 

IS that, in the members of a sentence^ where two things 
are compared or contrasted with one another ; where 
either a resemblance, or an opposition's intended to be 
expressed; some resemblance^ in the language and con- 
stniction^ should be preserved. For when the things 
themselves correspond to eaoli other , wenaturally expect 
tojind a similar correspondence in the words, 

Gvammar, p. 281. Kev, p. 136, 

Our British jgardeuers, instead of humouring na.- 
ture, love to deviate from it as much as possible. 

I have observed of late the style of some great 
miuistei's, very much to exceed that of any other 
productions. 

The old may inform the young: and tho young 
may animate those who are advanced in life. 

The account is generally balanced ; for what we 
are h)sers on the one hand, we gain on the other. 

The laughers will be for those who have most 
wit; the serious part of mankind, for those who 
have most reason on tlieir side. 

If men of eminence are exposed to censure on 
the one hand, they are as much liable to flattery on 
the other. If they receive reproaches whioli are 
not due them, they likewise receive praises which 
they do not deserve. 

He can bribe, but he is not able to seduce. He 
can buy, but he has not the power of gaining. He 
can lie, but no one is deceived by him. 

He embraced the cause of liberty faintly, and pur- 
sued it without resolution ; he grew tired of it, wlien 
he had much to hope; and gave it up, when tiiere 
was no ground for apprehension. 

There may remain a suspicion that we overrate 
the greatness of his genius, in the same manner as 
bodies appear more gigantic, on account of their 
being disproportioned atul misshapen. 



168 EXERCISES. (Strength, 

SECT. VII. 

The seventh rule for promoting the strength and ef- 
fect of sentences, is, to attend to the harmony and easy 
flow of the words and members. 

Grammar, p. 282. Key. p. 136.'' 

SoBERMiNDEDNEss suits the piescnt state of man. 

As conventiclers, these people were seized and 
punished. 

To use the Divine name customarily, and without 
serious consideration, is highly irreverent. 

From the favourableness witli which he was at 
first received, great hopes of success were enter- 
tained. 

They conducted themselves wilily, and ensnared 
us before we had time to escape. 

It belongs not to our humble and confined station, 
to censure, but to adore, submit, and trust. 

Under all its labours, hope is the mind's solace; 
and the situations which exclude it entirely are few. 

The humbling of those that are mighty, and tire 
precipitation of persons wlio are ambiiious, from the 
towering height that they had gained, concern but 
little the bulk of men. 

Tranquillity, regularity, and magnanimity, reside 
with the religious and resigned man. 

Sloth, ease, success, naturally tend to beget vices 
and follies. 

By a cheerful, even, and open temper, he conci- 
liated general favour. 

We reached the mansion before noon. It was a 
strong, grand, Gothic house. 

I had a long and perilous journey, but a comfort- 
able companion, who relieved the fatigue of it. 

The peech was introduced by a sensible prea^i- 
ble, which made a favourable impression. 

The commons made an angry remonstrance 
against such an aibitrary requisition. 

The truly illustrious are they who do not court 



Strength.) peespicuity, 8cc. 16C» 

the praise of the world, but who perform such ac- 
tions as make them indisputably deserve it. 

By the means of society, our wants come to be 
supplied, and our lives are rendered comfortable, as 
well as our capacities enlarged, and our virtuous af- 
fections called forth into their proper exercise. 

Life cannot bHt prove vain to such persons as af- 
fect a disrelish of every pleasure, which is not both 
new and exquisite, measuring their enjoyments by 
fashion's standard, and not by what they feel them- 
selves ; and thinking that if others do not admire 
their state, they are miserable. 

By experiencing distress, an arrogant insensibility 
of temper is most effectually corrected, from the re- 
membrance of our own sufferings naturally prompt- 
ing us to feel for others in their sufferings : and if 
Providence has favoured us, so as not to make us 
subject in our own lot to much of this kind of dis- 
cipline, we should extract improvement from the lot 
of others that is harder \ and step aside sometimes 
from the flowery and smooth paths which it is per- 
mitted us to walk in, in order to view the toilsome 
march of our fellow- creatures through the thorny 
desert. 

As no one is without his failings, so few want good 
qualities. 

Providence delivered them up to themselves, and 
they tormented tliemsclves. 

From disappointments and trials, we learn the in- 
sufficiency of temporal things to happiness, and the 
necessity to goodness. 



l7o EXERCISES. [Figures. 

CHAP. IV. 

Instances of an irregular use of Figures of Speech, 

Grammar, p. 287. Key, p. 138. 

No human happiness is so serene as not to con- 
tain any alloy. 

There is a time when factions, by tlie vehemence 
of their own fermentations, stun and disable one 
anotlier. 

I intend to make use of these words in the thread 
of my speculations. 

Hope the balm of life, darts a ray of light through 
the thickest gloom. 

The scheme was highly expensive to him, and 
proved the Charybdis of his estate. 

He was so much skilled in the empire of the oar, 
that few could equal him. 

The death of Cato has rendered the senate an 
orphan. 

Let us be attentive to keep our mouths as with a 
bridle ; and to steer our vessel aright, that we may 
avoid the rocks and shoals, which lie every where 
around us. 

At length Erasmus, that great injur'd name, 
(The glory of the priesthood and the shame,) 
Curb'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age. 
And drove those holy Vandals off the stage. 

In this our day of proof, our land of hope, 
The good man has his clouds that intervene ; 
Clouds that may dim his sublunary day. 
But cannot conquer-: even the best mustown* 
Patience and resignation are the columns 
Of human peace on earth. 



Figures.) perspicuity, &c. 171 

On the wide sea of letters, ^twas thy boast 
To crowd each sail, and touch at ev'ry coast; 
From that rich mine how often hast thou htVoug-ht 
The pure and precious pearls of splendid thoug-lit ! 
How didst thou triumph on that subject tide, 
Till vanity's wild gust, and stormy pride, 
Drove thy strong mind, in evil hour, to split 
Upon the fatal rock of impious wit ! 

Since the time tliat reason began to bud, and put 
forth her shoots, thought, during our waking liours, 
has been active in every breast, without a mo- 
ment's suspension or pause. The current of ideas 
has been always moving. The wheels of the spiri- 
tual engine have exerted themselves with perpetual 
motion. 

The man who has no rule over his own spirit, 
possesses no antidote against poisons of any sort. 
He lies open to every insurrection of ill-humour, and 
every gale of distress. Whereas he who is employ- 
ed in regulating his mind, is making provision against 
all the accidents of life. He is erecting a fortress 
into which, in the day of sorrow, he can retreat with 
satisfaction. 

Tamerlane the Great, writes to Bajazet, emperor 
of the Ottomans, in the following terms — ** Where 
is the monarch who dares resist us ? Where is the 
potentate who does not glory in being numbered 
among our attendants ? As for thee, descended 
from a Turcoman sailor, since the vessel of thy un- 
bounded ambition has been wrecked in the gulph of 
thy self-love, it would be proper that thou shouldst 
take in the sails of thy temerity, and cast the an- 
chor of repentance in the port of sincerity a?i(l justice, 
wliich is the port of safety ; lest the tcmj)est of our 
vengeance make thee perish in the sea of the punish- 
ment thou deservest." 



1 72 BXERCiSES. {Figures, 

It is pleasant to be virtuous and good ; because 
that is to excel many others : it is pleasant to grow 
better; because that is to excel ourselves: it is 
pleasant to command our appetites and passions, and 
to keep them in due order, within the bounds of rea- 
son and religion ; because this is empire : nay, it is 
pleasant even lo mortify and subdue our lust , be- 
cause that is victory* 



Protniscuous.J pespicuity, Sec. 173 

CHAP. V. 

Violations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and ac- 
curate writing, promiscuously disposed. 

See the Key, p. 141. 

SECT. I. 

What is human life to all, but a mixture, with 
' various cares and troubles, of some scattered joys 
and pleasures ? 

When favours of every kind are conferred speed- 
ily, they are doubled. 

He will soon weary the company, who is himself 
wearied. 

He must endure the follies of others, who will 
have their kindness. 

For the last years of man the first must make pro- 
vision. 

Perpetual light-mindedness must terminate in ig- 
norance. 

In these, and in such like cases, we should, in our 
alms, generally suffer none to be w itnesscs, but Him 
who must see every thing. 

The reason why he is so badly qualified for the 
business, is because he neglected his studies, and 
opportunities of improvement. 

That Plutarch wrote lives of Demosthenes and 
Cicero at Chseronea, it is clear from his own ac- 
count. 

1 wish to cultivate your further acquaintance. 

He may probably make the attempt, but he can- 
not possibly succeed. 

No pains were spared by his tutor, in order to his 
being improved in all useful knowledge. 

In no scene of her life was ever Mary's address 
more remarkably displaved. 
Q2 



174 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 

This was the cause which first gave rise to such 
a barbarous practice. 

He craftily endeavoured, by a variety of false in- 
sinuations which he made use of, to turn the empe- 
ror to his purpose. 

The beauty in the earth equals the grandeur in 
the heavens. 

In health and vigour of body, and in the state of 
worldly fortune, all rejoice. 

What passes in the hearts of men, is generally 
unknown to the public eye. 

Many associations are united by laws the most 
ai»bitrary. 

Thesainst^ces^frtayi it is hoped, be sufficient to 
satisfy every reasonable mind. 

By such general and comprehensive rules as this, 
the clearest ideas are conveyed. 

He d^erinmed not to comply with the proposal, 
except he should receive a more ample compensa- 
tion. 

There can be no doubt but that health is prefera- 
ble to riches. 

They declared to their friends, that they believed 
the perusal of such books had ruined their principles, 

John's temper greatly indisposed him for in- 
struction. 

Vegetation is advancing constantly, though no 
eye can trace the steps of ils gradation. 

The reason of my consenting to the measure, was 
owing to its importunity. 

1 conceived a great regard for him, and could not 
but mourn for his loss. 

Tlie officer a}»prehended him, and confined him 
in bis own house. 

Chai'lotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no 
one imputed biame, was too prompt in her vindica- 
tion. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, 8cc. 175 

Men who are rich and avaricious, lose themselves 
in a spring which might have cherished all around 
them. 

I should prefer him to he rather of slow parts 
than with a bad disposition. 

As soon as Eugenius undertook the care of a parish, 
it immediately engrossed the whole of his attention. 

The plan will at once contribute to general con- 
venience, and add to the beauty and elegance of 
the town. 

Together with the national debt, the greatest na- 
tional advantages are also transmitted to succeeding 
generations. 

Their intimacy had commenced in the happier 
period, perhaps, of their youth and obscurity. 

His subject is precisely of that kind, which a dar- 
ing imagination could alone have adopted. 

This emperor conjured the senate, that the purity 
of his reign might not be stained or contaminated 
by the blood even of a guilty senator. 

It is a happy constitution of mind, to be able to 
view successive objects so steadily, as that the more 
may never prevent us from doing justice to the less 
important. 

This activity drew great numbers of enterprising 
men over to Virginia, who came either in search of 
fortune or of liberty, which was the only compen- 
sation for the want of it. 

The erroneous judgment of parents, concerning the 
conduct of schoolmasters, has crushed the peace of 
many an ingenious man, who engaged in the care of 
youth ; and paved the way to the ruin of hopeful boys. 

SECT. II. 

Key, p. 143. 

The Greek doubtless is a language which is much 
superior in riches, harmony, and variety, to Latin, 



176 EXERCISES. C Promiscuous. 

Those three great genius's flourished in the same 
period. 

He has made a judicious adaption of the examples 
of the rule. 

This part of knowledge has been always growing, 
and will do so, till the subject be exhausted. 

A boy of twelve years old may study these 
lessons. 

The servant produced from his late master an un- 
deniable character. 

I am surprised that so great a philosopher as you 
are, should spend your .time in the pursuit of such 
chimeras. 

The ends of a divine and human legislator, are 
vastly different. 

Scarce had the '^Spirit of Laws" made its ap- 
pearance, than it was attacked. 

His donation w as the more acceptable, that it was 
given without solicitation. 

This subject is an unwelcome intruder, affording 
but an uneasy sensation, and brings with it always 
a mixture of concern and compassion. 

He accordingly draws out his forces, and offers 
battle to fliero, who immediately accepted it. 

James laid late in bed yesterday, and this morning 
he lays still later. 

The reason of this strange proceeding, will be ac- 
counted for when I make my defence, 

1 have observed him often, and his manner of 
proceeding is thus ; he enjoins first silence ; and 
then, &c. 

Having not known, or not considered the subject, 
he made a very crude decision. 

They all were deceived by his fair pretences, and 
they all of them lost their property. 

It is above a year since the time that I left school. 



Profniscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 1 71 

He was guilty of such atrocious conduct, that he 
was deserted hy his friends for good and all. 

No other employment besides a bookseller suited 
his inclination. 

Hereby I am instructed, and thereby I am ho- 
noured. 

I pleaded my good intention ; and after some 
time he assented thereto^ whereby I entirely es- 
caped all punishment. 

This I am disposed to the rather, that it will serve 
to illustrate the principles advanced above. 

From what I have said, you will perceive readily 
the subject I am to proceed upon. 

These are points too trivial to take notice of. 
They are objects I am totally unacquainted with. 

The nearer that men approach each other, the 
more numerous the points of contact in which they 
touch, and the greater their pleasures or pains. 

Thus I have endeavoured to make the subject be 
better understood. 

This is the most useful art of which men are pos- 
sessed. 

The French writers of sermons study neatness in 
laying down their heads. 

There is not any beauty more in one of them than 
in another. 

SECT. III. 

Key, p. 145. 

Study to unite with firmness of principle gentle- 
ness of manners, and affable behaviour with untaint- 
ed integrity. 

In that work, we are every now and then inter- 
rupted with unnatural thoughts. 

Bating one or two expressions, the composition 
is not subject to censure. 

To answer his purpose effectually, lie pitched up- 
on a very moving stsry. 



178 ' EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 

I am not able to discover whether these points 
are any bow connected. 

These are arguments which cannot be got over 
by all the cavils of infidelity. 

This matter I had a great mind to reply to. 

I hope that I may not be troubled in future, on 
this, or any the like occasions. 

It is difficult to unite together copiousness and 
precision. 

Let us consider of the proper means to effect our 
purpose. 

We must pay attention to wliat goes before and 
immediately follows after. 

The more that this track is pursued, the more 
that eloquence is studied, the more shall we be 
guarded against a false taste. 

True believers of every class and denomination 
on earth, make up the church and people of God. 

This is the sum and substance of that which has 
been said on the subject. 

A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of 
the rarest things in the world. 

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes to its scar- 
city only its value. 

Intemperance will make life short and sad, though 
it may fire the spirit for an hour. 

From their errors of education, all their miseries 
have proceeded. 

Their disinterestedness of conduct produced ge- 
neral admiration. 

I viewed the habitation of my departed friend- — 
Venerable shade ! I then gave thee a tear : ac- 
cept now of one cordial drop that falls to thy me- 
mory. 

To day we are here ; to-morrow we are gone. 

This author is more remarkable for strengtli of 
sentiment, than harmonious language. 



Promiscuous. J perspicuity, 8cc. \7'J 

Many persons are more delighted with correct 
and elegant language, than with the importance of 
sentiment and accuracy of reasoning. 

I feel myself grateful to my friend, for all the in- 
stances of his kindness, which he has often mani- 
fested to me. 

It is not from this world that any source of com- 
fort can arise, to cheer the gloom of the last hour. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 147. 

It is dangerous for beauty that is mortal, or for 
terrestrial virtue, to be examined by a light that is 
too strong for it. 

Beautiful women possess seldom any great ac- 
complishments, because they study behaviour rather 
than solid excellence, for the most part.- 

It is to discover the temper of froward children, 
not that of men, far less that of Christians, to fret 
and repine at every disappointment of our wishes. 

It is ordained and decreed by Providence, that 
nothing shall be obtained in our present state, that 
is truly valuable, except it be with difficulty and 
danger. 

Pauses of ease and relaxation, labour necessarily 
requires ; and the deliciousncss of ease makes us 
commonly unwilling to return to labour. 

Clothing whicli is not right can be great ; nothing 
can be suitable to tlie dignity of the human mind 
which reason condemns. 

We have warm hopes in youth, which are blasted 
soon by negligence and rashness; and great designs 
which are defeated by inexperience and ignorance 
of the world. 

The haunts of dissipation, by night and day, open 
many a wide and inviting gate to the children of 
idleness and sloth. 

True virtue (as all its parts are connected, piety 



180 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous 

with morality, charity with justice, benevolence with 
temperance and furtitude,) must form one complete 
and entire system. 

Dissimulation obscures parts and learning; de- 
grades the lustre of every accomplishment ; and 
plunges us into universal contempt. 

Confident as you now are in your assertions, and 
positive as you are in your opinions, be assured the 
time approaches when things and men will appear 
in a different light to you. 

In this age of dissipation and luxury in which we 
live, how many avenues are constantly open that 
carry us to the gates of folly ! 

Througli extravagance and idleness, and vain in- 
clination of emulating others in the splendid show 
of life, many run into charges exceeding their pro- 
perty. 

Objects are separated from each other, by their 
qualities : they are distinguished by the distance of 
time or place. 

Clarendon, being a man of extensive abilities, 
stored his mind with a variety of ideas ; which 
circumstance contributed to the successful exertion 
of his vigorous capacity. 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 148. 

The most high degree of reverence and attention 
should be paid to youth ; and nothing that is in- 
dencent or indelicate should be suffered to approach 
their eyes or their ears. 

He who is blessed with a clear conscience, in the 
worst conjunctures of human life, enjoys an eleva- 
tion of mind peculiar to virtue, as well as dignity 
and peace. 

The hand of industry may change, in a few years, 
the face of a country; but to alter the sentiments 
and manners of a people, requires often as many 
gcnerations. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 181 

When the human mind dwells attentively and 
long upon any subject, the passions are apt to grow 
enthusiastic, interested and warm ; and the under- 
standing which they ought to obey, they often force 
into their service. 

Some years after, being released from prison, by 
reason of his consummate knowledge of civil law, 
and of military affairs, he was exalted to the su- 
preme power. 

The discontented man (as his spleen irritates and 
sours his temper, and leads him to discharge its 
venom on all with whom he stands connected,) is 
never found without a great share of malignity. 

We cannot doubt but all the proceedings of Pro- 
vidence will appear as equitable, when fully under- 
stood and completely intelligible, as now they seem 
irregular. 

All that great wealth gives more than a moderate 
fortune, generally is, more room for tlie freaks of 
caprice, and privilege for ignorance and vice : of 
flatteries a quicker succession, and a larger circle 
of voluptuousness. 

The miscarriages of the great designs of princes 
are recorded in the histories of the world, but are 
of little use to the bulk of mankind, who seem very 
little interested in records of miscarriages which 
cannot happen to them. 

Were there any man who could say, in^he course 
of his life, that he had never suffered himself to be 
transported by passion, or had ever given just ground 
of offence to any one, such a man might, when he 
received from others unreasonable treatment, have 
some plea for impatience. 

Christianity will, at some future period, influence 
the conduct ot nations as well as individuls. But 
this will be, though its greatest, probably its latest 
triumph : for this can be only brougiit about through 
the medium of private character ^ and therefore 
R 



182 EXERCISES. ( Promiscuoui, 

wHI bi*. not rapid in its progress, and visible at every 
stepV '^ut gradual, and visible when considerable 
effects only have been produced. 

The British constitution stands, like an ancient 
oak in the wood, among the nations of the earth ; 
which, after having overcome many a blast, over- 
tops the other trees of the forest, and commands 
respect and veneration. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 150. 

What an anchor is to a vessel amidst a boisterous 
ocean, on a coast unknown, and in a dark night, that 
is the hope of future happiness to tlie soul, when be- 
set by the confusions of the world : for in dangers, 
it affords one fixed point of rest; amidst general 
fluctuation, it gives security. 

Our pride and self-conceit, (by nourishing a weak 
and childish sensibility to every fancied point of 
our own honour and interest, while they shut up all 
regard to the honour or interest of our brethren, 
render us quarrelsome and contentious. 

If there be any first principles of wisdom, it un- 
dsubtedly is this : the distresses that are removable, 
endeavour to remove ; bear with as little disquiet 
as you can, the distresses which cannot be removed ; 
comforts are to be found in every situation and 
condition of life; having found them, enjoy them* 

Instead of aspiring farther than your proper level, 
bring your mind down to your state ; lest you 
spend your life in a train of fruitless pursuits, by 
aiming too high, and at last bring yourself to an 
entire state of insignificance and contempt. 

Often have we seen, that what we considered as 
a sore disappointment at the time, has proved to be 
a merciful providence in the issue ; and that it 
would have been so far from making us happy, if 
what we once eagerly wished for had been obtained, 
that it would have produced our ruin. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 183 

Can the stream continue to advance, when it is 
deprived of the fountain ? Can the branch improve, 
when taken from the stock wliich gave it nourish- 
ment? Dependent spirits can no more be happy, 
when parted from ail union vvith the Father of spi- 
rits, and the Fountain of happiness. 

Prosperity is redoubled to a good man, by means 
of the generous use which he makes of it ; and it is 
reflected back upon him by every one whom he 
makes happy : for in the esteem and good-will of 
all who know him, in the gratitude of depeudents, 
in the attachment of friends, and the intercourse of 
domestic affection, he sees blessings multiplied round 
him, on every side. 

Wlioever would pass, with honour and decency, 
the latter part of life, must consider when he is 
young, that one day he shall be old ; and remember 
that when he is old, he has once been young: he 
must lay up knowledge in youth for his support, 
when his powers of acting shall forsake him ; and 
forbear to animadvert in age, with rigour on faults 
which experience can alone correct. 

Let us consider that youth is of no long duration ; 
and that when the encliantmcnts of fancy in matur- 
er age shall cease, and phantoms no more dance 
about us, we shall have no comforts but wise men's 
esteem, the approbation of our hearts, and the means 
of doing good: and let us live as men tliat are to 
grow old some time, and to whom of all evils it m ill 
be the most dreadful, to count their yeais past only 
by follies, and to be reminded of theii* former luxu- 
riance of health by the maladies only which i iot 
has produced. 



APPENDIX : 

eONTATNI?rG EXAMPLES, TO ASSIST THE STUDENT IN 
TRANSPOSING THE PARTS OF SENTENCES, AND IN 
VARYING THE FORM OF EXPRESSING A SENTIMENT, 



CHAP. r. 

On transposing the Members of a Sentence* 

The practice of transposing <he members of sen- 
tences, is an exercise so useful to young persons, that 
it requires a more particular explanation, than could 
have been properly given in the preceding work. 

A few of the various modes in which the parts of 
a sentence may be arranged, have, therefore, been 
collected ; and they are, with other matter, pro- 
duced in tlie form of an Appendix to the general 
Exercises. By examining them attentively, the stu- 
dent will perceive, in some degree, the nature and 
eifect of transposition ; and, by being frequently ex- 
ercised in showing its variety in other sentences, he 
will obtain a facility in the operation ; and a dex- 
terity in discovering and applying, on all occasions, 
the clearest and most forcible arrangement. By this 
practice, he will also be able more readily to pene- 
trate the meaning of such sentences as are rendered 
obscure and perplexing to most readers, by the ir- 
regular disposition ef their parts. 

The Brst and last forms of each class of examples^ 
are to be considered as the least exceptionable. 

The Roman state evidently declined, ii propar- 
tion to tii€ increase of luxury. 
R2 



iS& APPENDIX. 

The Koman state, in proportion to tne increase 
of luxury, evidently declined. 

In proportion to the increase of luxury, the Ro- 
man state evidently declined. 

I am willing to remit all that is past, provided it 
may be done with safety. 

1 am willin.^, provided it may be done with safety, 
to remit all that is past. 

Provided it may be done with safety, I am willing 
to remit all that is past. 

lliat greatness of mind which shows itself in dan-'' 
gers and labours, if it wants justice, is blameable. 

If that greatness of mind, w hich shows itself in 
dangers and labours, is void of justice, it is blameable. 

I'hat greatness of mind is blameable, wliich shows 
itself in dangers and labours, if it wants justice. 

If that greatness of mind is void of justice, which 
shows itself in dangers and labours, it is blameable. 

That greatness of mind is blameable, if it is void 
of justice, which shows itself in dangers and labours. 

If it wants justice, that greatness of mind, which 
shows itself in dangers and labours, is blameable. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness, will make order, at last, to arise from the seem- 
ing confusion of tlie world. 

From the seeming confusion of the world. He who 
made light to spring from primeval darkness, will 
make order, at last, to arise. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness, will, from the seeming confusion of the world, 
make order at last, to arise. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness, will, at last, from the seeming confusion of 
the world, make order to arise. 

He will make order, at last, to arise from the seem- 
ing confusion of the world, who made light to spring 
from primeval darkness* 



APPENDIX. \BY 

From the seeming confusion of the world. He 
will make order, at last, to arise, who made iiglit 
to spring from primeval darkness. 

He who made liglit to spring from primeval dark- 
ness will, at last, make order to arise, from the 
seeming confusion of this world. 

Whoever considers the uncertainty of human af- 
fairs, and how frequently the greatest hopes are 
frustrated ; will see just reason to be always on his 
guard, and not to place too much dependence on 
things so precarious. 

He will see just reason to be always on his guard, 
and not to place too much dependence on the pre- 
carious things of time ; who considers the uncer- 
tainty of human affairs, and how often the greatest 
hopes are frusti'ated. 

Let us not conclude, while dangers are at a dis- 
tance, and do not immediately approach us, that we 
are secure ; unless we use the necessary precaution 
to prevent them. 

Unless we use the necessary pi'ecau^ions to pre- 
vent dangers, let us not conclude, while they are at 
a distance, and do not immediately approach us, that 
we are secure. 

Unless we use the necessary precautions to pre- 
vent dangers, let us not conclude that we are secure, 
while they are at a distance, and do not immediate- 
ly approach us. 

Let us not conclude that we are secure^ while 
dangers are at a distance, and do not immediately 
approach us, unless we use the necessary precautioni 
to prevent them. 

While dangers are at a distance, and do not im- 
mediately ap[)roach us, let us not roriclude, that we 
are secure, unless we use the necessary precautions 
to pi*event them. 

Those things which appear great to one who 
knows nothing greater, will siuk into a dimiuuiiv* 



188 APPENDIX. 

size, when \\e becomes acquainted with objects of a 
higher nature. 

When one becomes acquainted with objects of a 
higher nature, those things which appeared great to 
him whilst he knew nothing greater, will sink into 
a diminutive size. 

To one who knows nothing greater, those things 
which then appear great, will sink into a diminutive 
size, when he becomes acquainted with objects of a 
higher nature. 



CHAP. II. 

On variety of expression. 

Besides the practice of transposing the parts of 
sentences, the Compiler recommends to tutors fre- 
quently to exercise their pupils, in exhibiting some 
of the various modes, in which the same sentiment 
may be properly expressed. This practice will ex- 
tend their knowledge of the language, afford a va- 
riety of expressions, and habituate them to deliver 
their sentiments with clearness, ease, and propriety. 
It will likewise enable those who may be engaged 
in studying other languages not only to construe 
them with more facility, into English ; but also to 
observe and apply more readily, many of the turns 
and phrases, which are best adapted to the genius 
of those languages. A few examples of this kind 
of exercise, will be sufficient to explain the nature 
of it, and to show its utility. 

The brother deserved censure more than his 
sister. 
The sister was less reprehensible than her brother. 



APPENDIX. 189 

The sister did not deserve reprehension, so much 
as her brother. 

Reproof was more due to the brother, than to the 
sister. 

I will attend the conference, if I can do it conve- 
niently. 

I intend to be at the conference, unless it should 
be inconvenient. 

If I can do it with convenience, I purpose to be 
present at the conference. 

If it can be done without inconvenience, I shall 
not fail to attend the conference. 

I shall nol absent myself from the conference un- 
less circumstances render it necessary. 

He who lives always in the bustle of the world, 
lives in a perpetual warfare. 

To live continually in the bustle of the world, is 
to live in perpetual warfare. 

By Jiving constantly in the bustle of the world, 
onr life becomes a scene of contention. 

It is a continual warfare, to live perpetually in the 
bustle of the world. 

The hurry of th»Avorld to him who always lives 
in it, is a perpetual conflict. 

They who are constantly engaged in the tumults 
of the world, are strangers to the blessings of peace. 

The spirit of true religion breathes gentleness 
and affability. 

Gentleness and affability are the genuine effects of 
true religion. 

True religion teaches us to be gentle and affable. 

Genuine religion will never produce an austere 
temper, or a rough demeanor. 

Harshness of manners and want of condescension, 
are opposite to the spirit of true religion. 



190 APPENDIX. 

Industry is not only the instrument of improve- 
ment, but the foundatioji of pleasure. 

Industry produces both improvement and plea- 
sure. 

Improvement and pleasure are the products of 
industry. 

Tlie common attendants on idleness are ignorance 
and misery. 

Valerius passed several laws, abrid.s^ing the power 
of the senate, and extending that of the peop^. 

Several laws were passed by Valerius, which 
abridged the power of the senate, and extended that 
of the people. 

The power of the senate was abridged, and that 
of the people extended, by several laws passed dur- 
ing the consulship of Valerius. 

The advantages of this world, even when inno- 
cently gained, are uncertain blessings. 

If the advantages of this world were innocently 
gained, they are still uncertain blessings. 

We may indeed innocently gain the advantages 
of this world ; but even tiien they are uncertain 
blessings. •* 

Uncertainty attends all the advantages of this 
world, not excepting those which are innocently 
acquired. 

The blessings which we derive from the advan- 
tages of this world, are not secure, even when they 
are innocently gained. 

When you behold wicked men multiplying in 
nun»ber, and increasing in power, im giue not that 
Providence particularly favours tliem 

When wicked men are obseivod io multiply in 
number, and increase in power, we are not to sup- 
pi)se that they are particularly favoured by i'ro- 
vidence. 



APPENDIX. 191 

From the increase and prosperity of the wicked, 
we must not infer that they are the favourites of 
Providence. 

Charity consists not in speculative ideas of general 
benevolence, floating in the head, and leaving the 
heart, as speculations too often do, untouched and 
cold. 

Speculative ideas of general benevolence, do not 
form the virtue of charity, for these often float in the 
head, and leave the heart untouched and cold. 

Speculations which leave the heart unaffected and 
cold, though they may consist of general benevolence 
floating in the head, do not form the great virtue of 
charity. 

Universal benevolence to mankind, when it rests 
in the abstract, does not constitute the noble virtue 
of charity. It is then a loose indeterminate idea, 
rather than a principle of real effect : and floats as a 
useless speculation in the head, instead of affecting 
the temper and the heart. 

A wolf let into the sheepfold will devour the 
sheep. 

If we let a wolf into the fold, the sheep will be 
devoured. 

The wolf will devour the sheep, if the sheepfold 
be left open. 

A wolf being let into the sheepfold, the sheep 
will be devoured. 

If the fold be not carefully shut, the wolf will 
devour the slieep. 

There is no defence of the sheep from the wolf, 
unless it be kept out of the fold. 

A slaughter will be made amongst the sheep, if 
the wolf can get into the fold. 

The preceding examples show that the form of 
expressing a sentiment may be properly varied by 
turning the active voice of verbs into the passive, 



192 APPENDIX. 

and the nominative case of nouns into the objective ; 
by altering the connexion of short sentences, by dif- 
ferent adverbs and conjunctions, and by the use of 
:)repositions ; by applying adjectives and adverbs 
instead of substantives, and vice versa ; by using the 
case absolute in place of the nominative and verb, 
and the participle instead of the verb ; by reversing 
the correspondent parts of the sentence ; and by the 
negation of the contrary, instead of the assertion of 
the thing first proposed. By these, and other modes 
of expression, a great variety of forms of speech, 
exactly or nearly of the same import, may be pro- 
duced ; and the young student furnished with a con- 
siderable store for his selection and use. 

When the business of transposing the parts of sen- 
tences, and of varying the forms of expression, be- 
comes familiar to the student, he may be employed 
in reducing the particulars of a few pages, to gene- 
ral heads; and in expanding sentiments generally 
expressed, into their correspondent particulars ; and 
by making these operations more or less general, 
and more or less particular, a considerable variety 
will be introduced into this part of the Exercises* 

An employment of the kind here proposed, will 
not only make the learner skilful in the meaning and 
application of terms, and in the nature of a concise 
and of a copious style ; but it will also teach him to 
think with order and attention ; to contract or ex- 
pand his views at pleasure ; and to digest the senti- 
ments of other persons, or his own, in the manner 
best adapted to assist his judgment and memory. 



THE END. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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